India to talk for first time to Kashmir separatists
( 2003-10-22 16:50) (Agencies)
India's government will hold talks for the first
time with Kashmir's main separatist group, signaling a renewed effort for a
peaceful solution to years of conflict in Indian Kashmir.
The date for deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani's meeting with the All Parties
Hurriyat (freedom) Conference -- which seeks a plebiscite to determine the
wishes of the Kashmir people -- has not yet been decided, Indian Home Secretary
N.Gopalaswamy said after a cabinet meeting.
New Delhi insists Kashmir is an integral part of the country but has not held
direct talks in the past with Hurriyat, formed about a decade ago.
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