Resumed Indo-Pak talks hailed by Kashmiris, Hurriyat Conference

SRINAGAR - The resumed dialogue between India and Pakistan has been hailed by locals in Jammu and Kashmir and separatist Hurriyat Conference.

India and Pakistan will resume foreign secretary-level talks in New Delhi on February 25.

The composite dialogue between the two nations came to grinding halt after the 26/11 attacks in which 166 lives were lost.

India blamed the attack on elements based in Pakistan and said that Islamabad would have to first bring the culprits to book.

“It is good and appreciable thing. Talks are necessary. Talks should be result-oriented and objective. Talks are important for the resolution of the issue of Kashmir and other bilateral issues between India and Pakistan,” said Zafar Akbar Bhat, a senior leader of the moderate All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

While the resumption of formal communiqué between the two countries has fired the expectations J-K residents, they are sceptical of the outcome.

“We are happy and we expecting some result out of the talks. If they are talking just for the sake of it or under the American pressure then nothing positive will come out, there will be despondency,” said Nissar Ahmad, a local resident.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and sending militants into Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Pakistan denies that, saying it only gives political support to what it calls a freedom movement. (ANI)