Gilani praises Pakistan for stand on Kashmir before NSA-level talks

Islamabad: Separatist Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani has lavished praised on Pakistan for taking a "bold stand" on the issue of Kashmir ahead of botched NSA-level talks with India.

In a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he thanked Pakistan for supporting Kashmiris for their right of "self-determination".

"The stand taken by Pakistan on the eve of Pak-India NSA-level talks and the way it advocated cause of Kashmir is very encouraging. It has given new strength to the passion of people of Kashmir for independence and helped to highlight the issue at the international level," he wrote.

"We are thankful to you (Sharif), the Pakistan Army and the whole Pakistani nation for continuous support," he said.

The NSA-level talks last month were called off by Pakistan at last minute due to difference with India over Aziz's planned meeting with separatist leaders and his intention to discuss Kashmir with counterpart.

India had made it clear that discussions on Kashmir and a meeting with separatists will not be acceptable to it.