Doves on course

He did, however, urge the Centre to show more ‘‘flexibility’’ in its approach towards finding a durable solution to the issue. ‘‘We hope that the UPA-led government would be more flexible in its approach and consider all proposals for resolution of the Kashmir issue including the ones contained in the Hurriyat roadmap,’’ he added.

Only two days ago, Farooq had said reduction in troops must be followed up by further measures in Kashmir. ‘‘The Hurriyat welcomes the announcement on the demilitarisation by Manmohan Singh and believes it is a very positive step in the direction of finding a resolution to the Kashmir problem. It shows a changing attitude of New Delhi towards the Kashmir issue,’’ Farooq told a gathering of around two lakh devotees on the Jumat-ul-Vida (last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan) at Jamia Mosque. He then called upon the Centre to withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and crack down on human rights violations in the state.

Over the past 14 years, Hurriyat has used the Jamia platform on Jumat-ul-Vida to make announcements on Kashmir. It was from here that the Hurriyat had last year decided to hold a dialogue with the Centre.

‘‘If New Delhi wants the Kashmir talks to move forward, they should withdraw the extraordinary powers vested with the armed forces. It should also check human rights violations. The Centre should ensure highly deplorable incidents like Handwara never recur,’’ said Farooq.

The 32-year-old Hurriyat chairman also hailed Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s recent proposal, saying: ‘‘We should start discussions on it.’’ Recalling his meeting with Musharraf, he said, ‘‘We exchanged views on Kashmir. Like Hurriyat, Gen Musharraf too wants that issue should be solved as per the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.’’

On the proposed Hurriyat visit to Pakistan, Farooq hoped that the formalities could be worked out soon to begin talks with the government there and the PoK administration.