ISLAMABAD: Ignoring India’s repeated warnings, a leading politician of Pakistan has reiterated plans to raise a one hundred thousand commando force to launch an armed attack on Kashmir, PTI reports.
President of Azad Kashmir People’s Party, Sardar Ibrahim Khan said, “‘we have many retired armed forces personnel who are willing to join this commando force. We expect to establish it as soon as possible.”
Observers here were of the view that the latest assertion by the leader that details had been finalized for a commando force could heighten tension along the line of control in Kashmir.
They felt that the Pakistan government should take adequate measures to prevent recurrence of border intrusions.
When the leader had earlier announced this decision, New Delhi had reacted sharply and made it clear to Pakistan that if such blatant moves made from its soil were not stopped, it could precipitate action.
Referring to such threats, the chief of the Indian army, Gen V.N. Sharma had asserted “if they dare, they will face a hot reception.”
Indian troops opened fire on two occasions earlier this month at Ranbir Singh Pura and Chakothi when Pakistani protestors chanting anti-India slogans had crossed the line of control despite repeated warnings.
The former president of Azad Kashmir in an interview to the English monthly “Herald” said his party would first like to see the policy of the Pakistan government on the issue,” “‘We will shortly meet the Pakistani authorities to discuss the issue threadbare. But that does not mean that we will delay the matter.”
On whether there could be a military solution to the Kashmir problem, he said at present, it was a bit difficult to formulate any final opinion. If the “freedom fighters” could sustain the “movement” for a while, they will “gain freedom soon.”
In another interview, the prime minister of Azad Kashmir Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan said besides moral support, monetary help should be given to those fighting inside Jammu and Kashmir.
He denied New Delhi’s charge that there were training camps for militants across the border. “I say that there is no supply of arms.”
The same issue of the monthly also carried an interview with the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief, Amanullah Khan.
He said, “Contacts exist” with the JKLF wing in Jammu and Kashmir. “The central body from here gives the guidelines and they work accordingly. However, the actual decision is made by the field commander, depending on the situation there. We only give them the broad guidelines.”
He admitted that there was an “understanding” between his front and those leading the Khalistan Movement.
He felt there was no military solution to the Kashmir problem. The “struggle” had to be carried out on political, diplomatic and armed fronts, he said.
In Sringar four persons were injured in firing by security forces and three explosions in the city, as curfew was lifted from 5 am (local time) after its imposition nearly 45 days ago on Feb 23.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 2, 1990
