NEW DELHI, Dec 12: Kashmiri leaders from both sides of the divide met Indian and Pakistani intellectuals in Kathmandu on Sunday and set three objectives before the Pugwash conference that has brought them together.

Conference sources said from Kathmandu that three committees on the Kashmir issue were formed to present a report on Monday. These included a committee to promote intra-Kashmir dialogue and cohesion among the various groups representing Kashmiris from both sides of the Line of Control.

The second committee would deal with confidence building measures to promote the cause of Kashmir, and the third committee was to suggest ways to the next steps to resolve the dispute.

Indian news reports from Kathmandu said the leaders attending the four-day conference include the former prime minister of Azad Kashmir, Sultan Mahmood, and Sardar Attiq Ahmed Khan, president of the Muslim Conference.

Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, the acting chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, and Attiq Ahmad Khan, the president of the Muslim Conference of Azad Kashmir, along with other leaders from both sides met during the conference on Sunday. About 80 delegates from India and Pakistan are attending the conference.

And while no details were revealed about the discussions, which took place behind closed doors, there were indications that progress was being made. "It's good that we are talking. That is the only way we can work at peace," said Attiq Ahmed Khan.