Srinagar, Dec 01: Welcoming the resumption of air links between India and Pakistan, Hurriyat Conference today said though the steps were small in nature, they could act as a catalyst to improve the relations between the two countries leading to a formal dialogue on Kashmir issue. "We welcome the resumption of flights between India and Pakistan. These gestures though small in nature can act as catalyst to improve the relations between the two countries," former Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq told reporters here.
He said people of Jammu and Kashmir were hopeful that the improvement in relations between New Delhi and Islamabad would lead to a formal dialogue aimed at long lasting resolution of the issue.
The developments over the past two weeks, including the ceasefire along the line of control, have raised hopes among the people of Jammu and Kashmir that India and Pakistan are headin towards better relations. It can lead to durable solution to Kashmir issue, he added.
Referring to the talks between New Delhi and Islamabad on the resumption of flights, Mirwaiz said similar talks should be held to open Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road and free travel of Kashmiri across the Line of Control.
"It is a welcome step signalling progress in the peace process between India and Pakistan but this was not enough and more steps needed to be taken to resolve the Kashmir issue, Hurriyat chairman Maulana Mohammad Abbas Ansari had said.
Bureau Report