Qureshi's condition improves, taken off ventilator

A team of neuro-surgeons examined 66-year-old Qureshi on Monday afternoon in the Soura medical institute and said the separatist leader's condition has improved.

"He has shown slight improvement and we decided to take him off the ventilator. But we are constantly monitoring his condition," a senior doctor told reporters.

Qureshi was shot at on Friday evening while on his way to a local mosque and was put on life support after a team of doctors operated upon him.  The moderate Hurriyat Conference said: "It (peace talks) won't be cowed down by the attack. We will continue to pursue the path of dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue."