'Kashmiri people for peace'

GENEVA, APRIL 6. Two days before the Government of India offered to hold unconditional talks with separatist groups, representatives of both sides of Jammu and Kashmir differed in their perception on the ongoing militancy in the State with Kashmiri delegates accusing Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism in the name of ``armed political struggle''.

The delegates, including former Minister, Mr. Saifuddin Soz, said at a roundtable discussion on armed conflict or terrorism that the people of the State were against sponsored violence and yearned for peace.

The discussion was organised by the separatist Kashmiri leader, Mr. Majid Tramboo, on the sidelines of the 57th session of the Commission of Human Rights and attended by the Hurriyat leaders, Mr. G. M. Safi and Mr. Masood Tahir (from PoK), Prof. Riyaz Punjabi, chairman of the autonomy committee, Mr. Ashok Bhan, leading Supreme Court lawyer, and several others.

Prof. Soz, who along with some others is playing a crucial role in bringing the separatist leaders to the negotiating table, said he would work to bring about peace in the State. He said talks between the Government of India and the Hurriyat and other secessionist groups would alone help in restoring normalcy

Renowned human rights activists. Ms. Karen Parker, chief delegate to the United Nations, Mr. Francis Mackey, a member of the Irish Parliament, and Mr. Colin Mcnowghton gave their views on Kashmir and other troubled spots.

Ms. Parker described violence in Kashmir as a ``part of militants' attempts at achieving the goal of self- determination''.

- UNI

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