JAMMU, Oct 29: The leader of Hurriyat Conference said on Wednesday there should be no pre-conditions imposed on proposed talks with India, days after New Delhi said the discussions would focus on the “decentralization” of power.

There should be “no pre-conditions imposed”, Moulvi Abbas Ansari, chairman of Hurriyat Conference, said.

Last week, India said Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani would hold talks with Mr Ansari.

New Delhi has previously refused to talk to the Hurriyat and the move was seen as a major breakthrough in attempts to solve the dispute over Kashmir.

But two days later Mr Advani said the talks would be on the “decentralization” of power and India would not compromise on the country’s sovereignty and integrity.

In the past New Delhi has hinted it could consider giving Kashmir’s administration more powers, except in key areas such as defence, finance and foreign affairs.

The Hurriyat is still preparing an official response to India’s offer, but Mr Ansari said talks on decentralization would not resolve the Kashmir issue.

“Talks between Delhi and Kashmiri leaders on sharing powers will not lead to the settlement of the Kashmir dispute,” he said.

Former Hurriyat chairman, Abdul Gani Bhat, said talks should be on how to solve the core dispute of Kashmir.

“We do not find any rationale behind a dialogue on decentralization of powers which will neither restore peace in the region nor resolve the core Kashmir issue.”

He said the Hurriyat leaders had reason to “suspect the sincerity of Delhi” if it started imposing conditions on the talks.

“If Delhi was keen to discuss decentralization of powers why did it not discuss it with the National Conference (NC) when it was in power till a year ago, when the same party had adopted a resolution in the Kashmir Assembly seeking restoration of greater autonomy?”

The NC, which ruled Kashmir until it was defeated in state elections last year, had asked for greater autonomy for the state, but this was rejected by New Delhi.

Mr Bhat also said any talks should involve India, Pakistan and representatives of the people of Kashmir.—AFP