Obama should mention K-word: Separatist leader

Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah, who was on Thursday manhandled by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party's youth wing at a press conference in Jammu, has expressed hope that United States President Barack Obama would intervene on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and press both India and Pakistan to hold a dialogue.

"At least he should facilitate dialogue between the two neighboring countries," Shah, who is also chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, told reporters.

"We never oppose talks but rather demand that result-oriented talks should be held between India and Pakistan on the issue," he said. Shah said, "I do not want more battles to be fought on Kashmir and hope that India and Pakistan remain brothers."

He said, "We do not want disintegration of the state and want all regions to remain united to find a lasting solution to the vexed problem."

Earlier during the day, Shah was heckled by a group of BJYM activists during the press briefing in Jammu. Meanwhile, several groups and eminent personalities on Thursday said that Barack Obama should take up the Kashmir issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit.

"We ask that President Obama bring up the 'K' word, as Kashmir has been pejoratively labelled, in his discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India," stated a memorandum to the US President, which was signed by more than 25 groups and individuals.

"We ask that in seeking stronger relations with India, the United States should not compromise the rights of the Kashmiri people or regional peace and security concerns in South Asia," the memorandum said.