5. APHC Visit to Pakistan
The All-Parties Hurriyat Conference reported that their seven-member executive council decided not to appoint the team that would ultimately travel to Pakistan for talks until India released passports for all seven members. It has been reported that passports have been approved for five members. It was decided that Abdul Gani Bhatt would be empowered select the team, though Bhatt stated that he would pick the team only after all passports had been approved. It was also reported that Bhatt is making plans in case this does not happen. There has not been a response from the Indian government on this issue.
"APHC delays selection of team: Passports for all members demanded"
"Leave it to us, says Lone"
"Hurriyat authorises Bhat to nominate team to Pak"
"No response from Centre yet: Hurriyat"
A Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman requested that the Indian government approve all seven passports. Pakistani President Rafiq Tarar stated that the visit could pave the way for tripartite talks.
"Pak. urges India to issue travel papers to APHC team"
"Pakistan wants India to send APHC team"
"Progress made on Kashmir: Tarar"
All-Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman Abdul Gani Bhatt met in India with Pakistan High Commissioner Ashraf Jehangir Qazi. Bhatt is under pressure amid reports that there is a growing split within the APHC and that Bhatt has no real agenda for the visit to Pakistan.
"APHC Chief meets Pakistan envoy amid suspense"
The leadership of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference made statements to the effect of threatening to cancel the trip to Pakistan. They cited the delays in India's approving passports and apparent disinterest in the visit by both India and Pakistan.
"Delhi not blocking APHC team's visit: official"
"Hurriyat threatens to cancel Pakistan trip"
Kashmiri Pandit groups stated that they opposed the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference proposed visit to Pakistan. They stated that the APHC is not the true representative of the Kashmiri people and they want the APHC to clarify its agenda for the trip.
"Kashmiri Pandits oppose Hurriyat's Pak trip"
"Kashmiri pandits oppose Hurriyat's trip"
Ghulam Nabi Fai, executive director of the US-based Kashmiri American Council, wrote in the Washington Times that the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference is apparently prepared to negotiate an independent constitution for Kashmir that meets India's security needs, and includes both a no-war clause and a statement of permanent neutrality.
"APHC ready for talks on independent constitution"