Growing Indo-Pak relations and the dialogue between the two on Kashmir shared prominent space in Urdu press in the Valley. Hurriyat- Delhi talks also received attention.

Indo-Pak Relations and Kashmir Issue

In its lead news, daily Aftab (01- January 2004) gave prominence to the Press Conference by JKLF Chairman, Yasin Malik. Yasin appealed Pakistan President, Parveez Musharraf and Prime Minister, Vajpayee to take Kashmiris into confidence and find a solution to the soaring Kashmir problem. "Kashmiris are at the receiving end of violence. They are being slaughtered. Human rights violations are on the rise. Rural people in particular are the worst sufferers. The people of Kashmir want both countries to keep going and improve the bilateral relations even further. Obviously, Kashmir issue being the root cause of all bilateral issues should be resolved first. It continued, "Kashmiris have demonstrated sobriety and shown immense patience therefore justice should be done with them. We are peace loving. Taking note of the signature campaign by the JKLF, Yasin said that Valley people are yearning for resolution of Kashmir problem. People hope that the leadership of both countries will put their utmost to resolve the Kashmir issue."

The US will help India and Pakistan to carry forward the peace process leading to a dialogue between the two, reported daily Afaq (10 January 2004) "Colin Powell said that in coming days US will ask for help to both the countries in carrying forward the dialogue process. In this regard, Powell spoke over telephone to Pakistan President Musharraf, Foreign Minister, Kusari and Indian Foreign Minister, Yashwant Sinha.  The US Foreign Minister said that talks between the two countries remained fruitful. Taking note of the SAARC Summit, he termed it exemplary in the Indo- Pak context. It continued "Powell appreciated both the countries for demonstrating broadmindedness on the occasion. He further said that two years before, whole world was growing skeptical about the relations of two countries and an outbreak of nuclear war between the two". America is fully cooperating with Pakistan to fight Taliban, summed up the report.

In its lead news, Aftab (03 January 2004) reported the speech by former Chairman, Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday prayers. Farooq said there was a renewed hope among people that Kashmir issue would be resolved. "The atmosphere prevailing in the entire subcontinent was conducive for the resolution of Kashmir issue. The leadership of both the countries had realized the importance of the issue and its subsequent resolution. It (issue) can’t be deferred for long. It continued, "Farooq hoped that the countries participating in the SAARC Conference would play their role in creating a atmosphere conducive for the resolution of Kashmir issue. Both countries have realized that to usher in an era of peace in the sub continent, the mistakes of the past had to be ignored." Though, it was good that the people at borders were somewhat at ease since the ceasefire, the valley people continue to suffer. The human rights violations continue to haunt ordinary people. And there is no let up in violence, concluded the report.

Hurriyat–Delhi Talks

Moderates in Hurriyat led by Abbas Ansari decided to talk to Delhi, reported Aftab (15 January 2004). "A five member panel has been nominated to talk to the Centre. It includes Moulvi Abbas Anasri, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, Prof. Ab. Gani Bhat, Peoples Democratic Party’s Bilal Lone and Fazlal Haq of Political Party. The panel will talk to Deputy Prime Minister, Advani on 22 January. Meanwhile, Mufti Sayeed’s appeal to Vajpayee for involving Geelani, Hizbul Mujahideen and JKLF chairman, Yasin Malik in the dialogue offer has been hailed by many. It continued "Various political parties in valley have maintained silence on the Hurriyat-Delhi talks. However, Freedom Party’s Shabir Shah has appreciated the talks between the two. Other parties in Hurriyat are yet to take any decision with regard to these talks. And there are no comments from them in this regard so far"

Geelani Home Arrest

Sayeed Ali Geelani, Chairman (Geelani group) was house arrested, reported bilingual Alsafa (07 January 2004), Moreover, besides Javid Ahmed Mir and JKLF leader and Islamic Student League’s Jameel Ahmed War police took 2 dozen Hurriyat activists into custody. Meanwhile, in Maisuma Srinagar and Sopore youth and police entered into a scuffle, many people were wounded. Police resorted to laticharge to disperse the agitated mob. It continued, "Reports said that police party besieged Geelani’s house while he was in. Sources said that Geelani many a times attempted to come out of the house but was stopped. Meanwhile, JKLF Vice Chairman was arrested at his residence. The Jameel Ahmed War Chairman Students League was also arrested while leading a procession in Budshah Chowk Srinagar."