Despite GOI refuting idea of third party mediation on J&K, the disclosure made by Trump marks a huge policy shift.… https://t.co/wTDykLPjHg — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) 1563872314000

Being the most affected party people of #Kashmir want an early resolution to the lingering Kashmir conflict. Been u… https://t.co/lXRYRqymIX — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) 1563859715000

SRINAGAR: Despite countrywide disapproval of US president Donald Trump’s offer to “meditate and settle” the Kashmir issue, mainstream political parties and separatist groups in Kashmir valley, in contrast, have welcomed the proposal.National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, as well former J&K chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, expressed their “optimism” about Trump’s offer.Abdullah “congratulated” PM Narendra Modi for seeking Trump’s intervention to solve the protracted issue and asked world powers to make Kashmir a zone of peace and not a zone of conflict. “It is indeed a welcome step to see the prime minister make sincere efforts to solve the issue that has been lingering around for more than seven decades,” he said.“It is high time for India and Pakistan to shun hostilities because at the end its people of our state who face the direct brunt of such hostilities. It’s our people who come in the line of fire whenever there is friction between India and Pakistan and therefore continue to remain mired within the strained Indo-Pak relationship,” Abdullah added.Mufti said Trump’s “disclosure” on third party mediation on Kashmir is a “huge policy shift” and India and Pakistan must seize the opportunity to forge peace through dialogue.“Even though USA doesn’t hold a great record in resolving protracted conflicts, hope both countries seize this opportunity to forge peace through dialogue,” Mehbooba tweeted.The chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq tweeted, “Being the most affected party, people of #Kashmir want an early resolution to the lingering Kashmir conflict. Been urging for dialogue at all levels. Every effort, pushing India and Pakistan in that direction @POTUS is welcome by the people of J&K (SIC).”