Hizbul chief urged to return to Kashmir

"Come back home and work for peace and brotherhood. I am extending this message to Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and other militants camping across the LoC. They should shun guns and work for peace as Islam preaches Peace," Socialistic Democratic Party and head of the peace brigade, Darakhshan Andrabi told reporters.

Andrabi led a peace prayers after offering chaddar at the tomb of Baba Chambliyal, located on the Indo-Pak border, 56 kms from here.

Activists put up placards with peace messages -- the plight of mothers and motherland waiting for these youths -- held towards other side of border village Siyadhwali, nearly 300-400 meters away from Chambiliyal Border Out Post.

The programme started with an all religious prayer for peace at the shrine of Baba Chambliyal, a saint revered equally in India and Pakistan. Pigeons and heart-shaped balloons were released towards the skies of Pakistan.

"This unique way of expressing love and brotherhood made it a very colourful function. The speciality of this year's programme was the unique Valentine messages to the youth of Kashmir who crossed over to the other side of the border to pick up guns and are now repenting on their decision and want to come back home," she said.

She also appealed to leaders and people of Pakistan to shun sponsoring violence and reciprocate peace initiatives for the prosperity of both the countries. On the occasion, some family members of these youths stuck on the other side spoke about their wishes.

"I want my son Abrar to come back and with us," Gul Mohmmad said, adding that he had gone across the border 11 years ago. Like him, Altaf and Anwar also expressed their anxiousness of having their wards back and live a peaceful life.