JKDFP deliberates on talks offer

SRINAGAR, APRIL 28. The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) today began formulating its response to the Centre's offer of unconditional talks on the Kashmir issue. Prominent citizens and intellectuals from Jammu and Ladakh, invited by the JKDFP chief, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Shah, would discuss the offer for two days as ``we do not believe in outright rejection of such offers,'' Mr. Shah said before the meeting. ``It is with this intent that we have invited 500 prominent persons to take note of their suggestions.''

On Thursday, the All-Party Hurriyat Conference had virtually rejected the Centre's offer to talk to everybody involved, claiming that it was the ``sole representative'' of Kashmiris.

Mr. Shah's endeavour seemed to contest such an outlook. ``We do not want to give an impression to the outside world that we are rigid. If we reject or take up the offer, we will give logic. Kashmiris want a peaceful resolution to the issue to which Pakistan is an important party.'' He urged Delhi to resume talks with Pakistan.

``It will be an open discussion. We will put Mr. K.C. Pant's (the Centre's negotiator) offer to the people and they will decide,'' Mr. Shah said. ``While framing our response we will have to consider the sentiments of the Hindus in Jammu and Buddhists in Ladakh. These non-Muslim guests will speak their hearts out during the discussions.''

ANC accepts invite

In a related development, the Awami National Conference (ANC) led by the former Chief Minister, Mr. G.M. Shah, accepted the Centre's talks invitation with a condition that Mr. Pant visit the State and see ``reason'' in Kashmiris' ``wishes and national aspirations''. ``The ANC would have no objection or feel no hurdle to exchange its views with Mr. Pant to solve the Kashmir issue peacefully, equitably, honourably, democratically and permanently.''

- PTI

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