Kashmir issue should be resolved politically: Hurriyat

Asserting that a change of guard in Jammu and Kashmir does not mean an 'end' to the vexed Kashmir issue, the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference on Monday demanded that the matter be resolved politically.

"The Kashmir issue is a long standing problem and involves three parties -- India, Pakistan and Kashmir. One should not have any illusion that a change of guard means an end to the issue. Kashmir is a political problem and needs political initiative to resolve it," Chairman of moderate faction Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said.

Referring to National Conference Chief Omar Abdullah taking oath as the state's chief mMinister, Mirwaiz said, "He is young and should keep in mind aspirations of the valley's youth, pursue pro-people agenda and understand ground realities."

Asked how the Hurriyat will respond if the new government facilitates their talks with the centre, he said, "Time will decide. We don't see role of mainstream parties in resolution of the Kashmir issue."

He alleged that elections have been held in the past but successive governments have failed to represent the true aspirations of Kashmiris. Instead, the governments worked to implement New Delhi's agenda in Kashmir, Mirwaiz charged.