05 January 2004	Monday	12 Ziqa'ad 1424

SRINAGAR, Jan 4: Hardline and moderate separatists in Kashmir vowed to work for peace in the revolt-torn region in 2004 and called a regional summit opening in Pakistan on Sunday a good start to the new year.

"I'm hopeful the year will be remembered for peace in Kashmir," said leading Muslim moderate separatist Umar Farooq. "With India and Pakistan coming closer by means of Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and other positive measures the year has got a positive begining."

Firebrand separatist Syed Ali Geelani also pledged to back moves to end the rebellion which erupted in 1989 and has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

"I and my colleagues will support any peace process," said Geelani, who heads the hardline wing of the main separatist alliance, the All Parties Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference (APHC).

Geelani, a staunch pro-Pakistan separatist, urged India to "soften" its stand and start talks with Islamabad and said the participation of Kashmiris in the peace process was vital for a lasting solution.-AFP