Mixed feelings in Kashmir

By Altaf Hussain BBC correspondent in Srinagar

India's latest peace initiative has been greeted with cautious optimism by ordinary Kashmiris.

Kashmiris want an end to years of war

Many in Indian-administered Kashmir have reacted positively to the proposed talks between India's Deputy Prime Minister, LK Advani, and Kashmiri separatists.

But they are more sceptical on the proposed bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad.

Surprisingly few people are talking about the plan to link the capitals of Indian- and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Kashmiris want the dispute over the Himalayan territory resolved so that the violence of the past 14 years stops.

Professor Bashir Ahmed, a chemistry teacher, says the proposed bus service would be a confidence-building measure ahead of a dialogue.

I don't think it will ever happen. Nothing has happened in the past 55 years Abdul Qayum

Merajuddin, a clerk in a government office, says the bus to Muzaffarabad was fine but "all such measures will have a meaning only after the basic dispute is resolved".

Emotional chord

Abdul Qayum, an insurance agent, is a strong supporter of the peace initiative.

He says the proposed service to Muzaffarabad is a good decision but is sceptical nevertheless.

It will in effect be a bus without passengers Rashid Ahmed Hindustan Times correspondent

"I don't think it will ever happen. Nothing has happened in the past 55 years."

The proposal touches an emotional chord among families divided by the partition of Kashmir.

Syed Mohammad Maqbool Andrabi's voice chokes when he says he could not join the funeral of two of his brothers who died in Muzaffarabad.

He says the bus service would be a good thing to happen but adds that it would make no difference if he has to travel to Delhi to obtain a Pakistani visa.

He prays that the two countries make peace.

Visa problems

Rashid Ahmed is the Srinagar correspondent of the Hindustan Times national daily newspaper.

He argues that a bus link will make little difference as long as the barriers of mistrust between India and Pakistan exist.

"It takes an ordinary Kashmiri years to obtain a passport which is issued only after thorough investigation by numerous agencies of the government.

"Both India and Pakistan issue visas to each other's nationals quite sparingly."

He believes India, which accuses Pakistan of abetting the militancy in Kashmir, will be more strict in granting visas to the people of Muzaffarabad.

"So, it will in effect be a bus without passengers," Mr Ahmed says.

But the chief minister of the state, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, says the bus service will be accompanied by a relaxation of the visa regime by India.