2. Ceasefire: Militant Groups
Responding to Indian Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee's extension of the unilateral ceasefire, Abdul Gani Lone of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, chief Gulam Mohammad Bhat of the Jamaat-e-Islami, and negotiator Fazal Haq Qureshi for the Hizbul Mujahideen stated independently that they welcomed the extension of the ceasefire, but that it needed to move towards a resolution of the Kashmir issue.
"Secessionist groups welcome ceasefire extension"
Hizbul Mujahideen commander in Kashmir Abdul Majid Dar stated the Hizbul's full cooperation with the ceasefire initiative. Other Hizbul sources indicated the Hizbul's support for a peaceful resolution to the issue.
"Hizb offers 'fullest cooperation' to peace move"
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressed doubt that talks between India and the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference would lead to tangible results. Abdullah also challenged the APHC to participate in the upcoming elections.
"Talks with Hurriyat unlikely to yield result: Farooq"
All seven members of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference's executive council stated their intention to not abandon the "freedom movement" and welcomed the extension of the ceasefire.
"Hurriyat pledges to continue movement"