Kashmir freedom fighters warned on Monday that breakthrough talks with New Delhi were in doubt due to alleged abuses by Indian occupation troops and resisted calls to take part in India's upcoming election.
"We expect the promises to be honoured," said Abdul Gani Bhat, former chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.
"If this doesn't happen the dialogue process is extremely likely to run into trouble," he told AFP after a Hurriyat meeting.
He was referring to the deaths of five civilians in a February 8 gun-battle between troops and freedom fighters. Residents and freedom fighters said the five were used as human shields, although the army said the civilians were employed as porters.
Advani on Saturday told a meeting of Indian occupation forces in New Delhi to prevent abuses in occupied Kashmir, in a statement welcomed by the freedom fighters.
Indian officials have been trying to woo the freedom fighters into entering mainstream politics.
But Bhat said the Hurriyat, which has boycotted all elections since its formation in 1993, would not participate in national polls expected in April or May.
"The APHC seeks a permanent settlement of the dispute on Kashmir and considers that no electoral process can offer the solution," Bhat said.
"We therefore reiterate our position not to participate in the elections."

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2004

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