The editorial, ?Continuation of the dialogue? in daily Aftab (03 June 2004) commented on the telephonic conversation between Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan. Indian Foreign Minister, Natwar Singh, reiterated that India would continue the dialogue with Pakistan to resolve all bilateral issues and Khursheed Kasuri too assured Singh that his country was eager to strengthen relations with India and resolve all bilateral issues amicably. Obviously, this would satisfy people in both countries who are impatient to see an end to the hostility. It continued, ?It was a good step to enforce ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) as it gave impetus to the peace process. But except this step (ceasefire) no tangible step was taken which could have won the confidence of people and help resolve bilateral issues.? Both countries must know that Kashmiris at the receiving end of violence are yearning for peace since long and take some bold steps in the direction of peace, opined the editorial.

 

Bilingual Alsafa (30 June 2004) in its editorial, ?Srinagar Muzafarabad Road - Humane issue? commented that the re-opening of the Srinagar-Muzafarabad road was a must for the prosperity of peace process. ?Two day talks between foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan are seen as a step forward towards restoration of peace in the sub-continent. At the end of two day foreign secretary level talks, a joint statement issued said that besides the bilateral issues including nuclear, various confidence-building measures (CBMs) were discussed,? it said. Both countries agreed on the continuation of dialogue on the vexed Kashmir issue and building of a violence-free atmosphere in the subcontinent. Both China and the US expressed hope that all bilateral issues including Kashmir would be resolved peacefully. After all, it is the Kashmir issue which has brought them at loggerheads. The decade old Srinagar-Muzafarabad road must be re-opened to give a fillip to the peace process and re-unite displaced souls, concluded the editorial. 

 

In its editorial, ?Kashmiri leaders dialogue with Pakistan? bilingual Alsafa (25 June 2004) commented on the talks between the Pakistan Foreign Secretary and Hurriyat leaders. There were foreign secretary level talks between two countries after six years, and it was for the first time that the vexed Kashmir issue was discussed at length. It said that Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Riyaz Kokar talked to Kashmiri separatist leaders before meeting his Indian counterpart. JKLF chairman, Yasin Malik and his party members talked to Kokar. Besides Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of People?s League - Sheikh Ab. Aziz and President of People?s Democratic Freedom Party, Shabir Ahmad Shah, also shared views with Kokar.  The Pakistani Ambassador facilitated the meeting of Chairman, Hurriyat (G), Sayeed Ali Shah Geelani with Kokhar. Presence of Kashmiri separatists in Delhi is the clear indication that Pakistan gives much importance to Kashmir issue. The separatists leaders unanimously held that Kashmiris should be involved in any dialogue on Kashmir, summed up the editorial. 

 

In its editorial, ?Talks and peace? Alsafa (17 June 2004) commented on the ever-increasing violence in the Valley. It continued, in May 2003 when the former Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee extended a hand of friendship to Pakistan, the Valley people hoped that there would be a change on the ground in Kashmir. At least, frequent crackdowns and search operations would come to an end. But the fact remains that during the current year, violence and bloodshed in the valley has increased considerably. Summing up, it said, on one side, the international community is told that peace is returning to Kashmir and on the other, a rein of terror is unleashed on ordinary people. They are subjected to custodial killings and what not.

 

Dr GM Bhat in a write up ?Kashmir: The future of the dialogue? published in Chattan (08-13 June 2004) commented that the defeat of the NDA government and formation of the Congress-led government at the Center saw a change in the foreign policy of the government Besides doubts were being raised that there would be a change in policy on Kashmir. These apprehensions gained weight when the leadership of two countries started issuing statements which were at variance to the budding friendly atmosphere between the two countries. It continued, though the newly elected Prime Minister said that his government would stick to the BJP policy to strengthen bilateral relations, he added that Pakistan should not make Kashmir a central issue. Without wasting time, Pakistan shot back that if centrality of Kashmir issue was ignored, it would pull out of the dialogue process. Nevertheless, further bitterness was evaded overnight when Musharraf and Jamali spoke to Manmohan Singh and congratulated him on becoming the Prime Minister besides using the occasion to stress the importance of continuation of the dialogue between two countries.