Date:16/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/16/stories/2006021617861400.htm

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JKLF accepts invite

Shujaat Bukhari

Two-member team to leave for Delhi today

Talks not merely photo session, but move towards resolving issue: Malik

To present 15 lakh signatures of Kashmiris

Yasin Malik

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front on Wednesday accepted the invitation for talksby the Centre. It said a two-member team led by Front chairman Yasin Malik would leave for Delhi on Thursday to hold the first round of talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

After an extraordinary meeting of the JKLF executive body here, Mr. Malik told presspersons that the talks would not merely be a photo session with Dr. Singh, but a move towards resolving the long pending dispute in accordance with the people's wishes.

Flanked by party vice chairman Bashir Ahmed Butt, Mr. Malik said he would reason with India and Pakistan to involve the Kashmiri leadership in the decision making process.

"Unfortunately, the people of Kashmir have to hear from the media the decisions taken with regard to their future. More painful is the fact that Kashmiri leaders are treated as political jokers, but I will go to New Delhi for the February 17 talks with the transparent agenda of showing 15 lakh signatures of common Kashmiris to the Indian Prime Minister," he said.

Support from abroad

Meanwhile, the U.S. chapter of the JKLF, led by senior leader Raja Muzaffar, has expressed firm confidence and faith in the leadership of Mr. Malik. It agreed unanimously that Mr. Malik should respond positively to the offer.