Srinagar, Kashmir (KMS): Welcoming the cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan, senior Hurriyet leaders have expressed the hope that the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to India will create positive atmosphere for dialogue process between the two countries. Talking in Srinagar to a delegation of the All India Ettehadul Muslimeen, Hyderabad, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the All Parties Hurriyet Conference, said that the step would give the leaders of the two countries an opportunity to talk and ponder over the future dialogue process.

Kashmiri women hold placards during a sit-in protest organised by Joint Association of Kashmiri Affected Families

Addressing a gathering at Humhama, veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader Syed Ali Gilani said that if the two countries would not focus on the Kashmir dispute, all their initiatives would fail to deliver peace and stability in the region.

Describing the cricket diplomacy as a positive step, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik urged the two countries to show sensitivity towards the Kashmir dispute that had consumed three generations of Kashmir.

On the other hand, people in the occupied territory observed special prayers for the success of the Pakistani cricket team in the semifinal match at Mohali today.  Camps were set up at various places in Srinagar and other towns with big screens installed and arrangements of typical Kashmiri dishes, wazwan. However, the authorities resorted to unscheduled power cuts in Srinagar today to disable people to watch the match.