Date:20/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/20/stories/2007042001271300.htm
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National

Mirwaiz too rejects invitation

Special Correspondent

Says leaders from both parts of Kashmir should be included

  • Only mainstream parties likely to take part in roundtable
  • New Delhi's bid to reach out to separatists fails

    SRINAGAR: The third roundtable on Kashmir, to be chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on April 24, is all set to be a repeat of the previous versions, with all separatists deciding to boycott it on the grounds that it would not help in finding a durable and meaningful solution to the problem.

    While the hard-line faction, headed by Syed Ali Geelani, had rejected the roundtable, the moderate faction too came out with a similar response on Thursday. "The Hurriyat will participate in the roundtable conference only if it is meant for discussing the issue, but it should include the Mujahideen and leaders from India, Pakistan and both parts of Kashmir," Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said. "Talks on Kashmir can be only held with the heirs of the martyrs and not with everybody," he said.

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