We are ready for talks with Centre: Hurriyat

Hurriyat's moderate faction led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said on Saturday that it was ready for talks with the Centre for resolution of Kashmir issue, but that the back channels had "fallen silent" for the past two months.

Stating that the Kashmir issue cannot be put on a "backburner", Mirwaiz sought a mechanism to "constitutionalise" the dialogue.

"In our endeavour we are ready for talks for resolution of the Kashmir issue provided India shows seriousness for resolution of the problem," the Hurriyat leader told the media.

However, he said, "Everything is silent and we are back to square one. What is lacking is a mechanism to constitutionalise the talks, where all formulae and proposals can be discussed and debated".

Mirwaiz asserted that "there is no quiet dialogue going on between the Hurriyat and Union home ministry" at present.

"The (dialogue) process slowed down during 2006-07. At present nothing is happening. Back channels have fallen silent for the past two months," he said, adding that "the Kashmir issue cannot be put on backburner and has to be resolved as per the wishes of the people".

The Mirwaiz said his amalgam entered into dialogue with the Centre seriously.

"First we met prime minister A B Vajapyee and followed it up with a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"We have given suggestions and formulae for creating a conducive atmosphere for talks but India has not responded. The common people should feel the change on the ground on then talks could be held," he said.

About his meeting with Chinese leaders, Mirwaiz said Beijing had stated its "official stand" regarding Kashmir issue.

"Media has given much hype to the meeting. I think they have stated their official stand," he said.

"They supported our demand for right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir. They also supported comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the issue," he said.

However, Mirwaiz made it clear that the meeting between him and the Chinese leader was not to "embarrass" India. "I want to tell that we are not for embarrassing India.

Kashmir is a problem," he said.

"India is a great country and is seeking a permanent seat in UN Security Council" but for that it needs to respect UN resolutions on Kashmir, he said.