SRINAGAR, April 16: Politicians in occupied Kashmir on Wednesday called for dialogue to resolve the five-decade Kashmir dispute, urging Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to make “peace moves” during his visit to the region later this week.

Mr Vajpayee arrives in occupied Kashmir amid tight security on Friday for a two-day visit.

The APHC on Wednesday called for a two-day general strike coinciding with Vajpayee’s tour.

“Kashmiris want a peaceful resolution of the issue. And to highlight this reality we appeal to the people to observe an exemplary and complete strike on Friday and Saturday,” the APHC said in a statement.

“In the interest of peace in south Asia and India-Pakistan friendship, we expect the Indian prime minister to kickstart talks among the parties to find an everlasting resolution of the Kashmir dispute,” the statement said.

It urged all parties to take “right steps” for resolving the issue of Kashmir through talks.

“If meaningful talks start for the resolution of Kashmir issue, Hurriyat will cooperate fully,” the statement said.

“Mr Vajpayee should make a peace move during his tour by announcing unconditional dialogue with Kashmiris and Pakistan,” said Shabir Shah, a moderate Kashmiri leader.

“I am sure if the talks offer is made in Kashmir it will have a positive impact,” Shah said.

Mr Shah urged all sides to be flexible.—AFP