Srinagar, Jul 23 (KNS): The mainstream political parties in Kashmir on Tuesday termed the US President Donald Trump’s statement as positive step vis-à-vis Kashmir issue, claiming that Trump’s disclosure marks a huge policy shift.

Pertinently, the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday stated in the Rajya Sabha that no such request was ever made.

Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti said that the statement made by Trump marks a huge policy shift. “Despite GOI refuting idea of third party mediation on J&K, the disclosure made by Trump marks a huge policy shift. Even though USA doesn’t hold a great record in resolving protracted conflicts, hope both countries seize this opportunity to forge peace through dialogue (sic),”

National Conference (NC) General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar said that any positive step towards the resolution of Kashmir issue is always welcomed. “People of Kashmir want a solution to the protracted issue. Anyone willing to mediate is welcomed. If there is change in attitude of the government then it is good for the resolution of Kashmir issue,” he told Kashmir News Service (KNS).

Sagar added that “we should look the statement of Trump in positivity.”

People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chairman and former MLA Khansahib Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen told KNS that it is a welcome step if Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought mediation for Kashmir issue through USA.

“I believe PM Modi has respected the mandate given by the people to him by asking Trump for mediation on Kashmir issue. Everyone wants the resolution of Kashmir issue. We should not play politics over the issue, but we should unitedly appeal the two countries (India and Pakistan) to seize the opportunity to resolve the long pending issue,” he said.

However, Democratic Party Nationalist (DPN) president and former minister Ghulam Hassan Mir told KNS there is no relevance of trump’s statement for him in view of denial by External Affairs Minister.

It is worth to mention here that senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has also responding to Trump’s remarks, stated that Kashmir is a bilateral issue and no third party can intervene.

Speaking to the media Azad said, “Ready to believe our PM, but because we have seen Pakistan PM speak to Donald Trump, we want our PM to come to parliament and say, this is false.” (KNS)