Mufti upset Kashmir not discussed with Pakistan

JAMMU - Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed says he is “disappointed” that India and Pakistan did not discuss the Kashmir issue at the foreign secretary-level talks in New Delhi Thursday.

In a statement here Saturday, Sayeed said: “If we talk, we have to do it with clear objectives, a sense of purpose, political will and an open mind.”

“We don’t add either to our growing stature as a global player nor help the socio-economic development of the region by shying away from seriously discussing all issues including Kashmir. The off-now-on-now attitude has only piled up problems and when the country is making new strides on every front the festering sore in Kashmir acts as a moral impediment,” the statement added.

He said after trying all other options, including war, the threat of war and coercive diplomacy it is obvious the dialogue is indispensable and has to be pursued to its logical conclusion.