A GLIMMER of hope for the release of hostage Paul Wells emerged today with the disclosure that the Indian government is now prepared to hold unconditional talks with the Muslim separatists in Kashmir, where the Blackburn student was seized two years ago.

But though the notion of dialogue with terrorists sticks in the craw of many who believe in justice, let us hope that this breakthrough is one that will deliver the justice that is owed to Paul Wells and his fellow captives - their freedom.

For the old impasse of no-negotiation was one that made the hostages forgotten pawns in a political conflict of which they are innocent victims.

Now, cruel though it is that Paul and his colleagues become bargaining-pieces, at least their fate becomes a matter for negotiation when none existed before.

We pray it leads to their deliverance at last.

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