Use influence of other separatist leaders to restore peace in Kashmir: PDP

Welcoming Hurriyat hardline leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's appeal for calm, the opposition PDP today said "political influence" of other separatist leaders should also be used to restore peace in the Valley.

"It is time that the political influence of other leaders like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mohammad Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmed Shah, Nayeem Khan, Zafar Ahmed Mir be utilised and all of them should be provided free space to make their contribution in making peace," PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said in a statement in Srinagar.

Mehbooba sought the immediate release of all the youths arrested during the protests "to create atmosphere conducive for further political process".

She said that the PDP has been stressing on the involvement of all political parties and leaders to find a solution of the problems of state.

"All citizens and political parties of the state have to contribute to the exercise and there should be no discrimination or division among them," she said.

Mehbooba said the Centre should "wake up to resolve the problem with a meaningful political process and with humanitarian approach."