Srinagar:
The Separatists have welcomed the US-China approach on Kashmir, saying that China has a 'stake in the peace in the region'.
"China is global power and in the region it has a huge influence. China has direct link with Kashmir. Some parts of Kashmir have been given to China. China is not a party in Kashmir issue but it has a stake in the peace in the region. Hurriyat welcomes US-China approach on Kashmir," said Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Omar Farooq.
The china card, being played by moderate Hurriyat chief, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq. He will go to Beijing in December on the invitation of an NGO, the first visit by a Separatist leader to China.
New Delhi says it has no problem.
"We have not prevented Kashmiri leaders from travelling abroad," said Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.
The visit comes at a time when India-China relations are strained over Arunachal Pradesh, and stapled visas to Kashmiris.
It also comes at a time when the Separatists, led by the Mirwaiz, have started back-channel talks with New Delhi.
Now it is to be seen whether China will provide stamped or stapled visa to Mirwaiz Omar for his proposed China visit in December.