J&K: Interlocutors contact Hurriyat leader

Breaking the ice, the Centre's interlocutors on Kashmir talked to Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq over the phone discussing the situation in the state and seeking time for a meeting.

The conversation, which lasted for over 10 minutes, dealt with the issues including the present situation in the state and the economic loss to common Kashmiris because of the frequent strikes in the state, sources privy to the developments said.

The Mirwaiz, a moderate separatist leader, assured the interlocutors of a positive approach once the situation gets a

bit normal, the sources said. The Mirwaiz later told PTI that eminent journalist Dileep Padgaonkar had called him and wanted to meet "but we refused."

He said Hurriyat Conference was not against a dialogue but the process has to be "Kashmir-centric and result-oriented". The Mirwaiz spoke of the need for specific steps like withdrawal of troops from civilian areas and release of political prisoners to create a conducive atmosphere for the dialogue. "The atmosphere has to be conducive which can be created by withdrawal of troops from civilian areas and release of political prisoners," he said.