NEW DELHI (PTH): India’s former foreign secretary Maharaj Krishna Rasgotra has suggested that New Delhi should not succumb to International pressure and should” use force’ to find a tasting solution to the Kashmir issue.

A solution to the Kashmir problem would not be difficult if Pakistan’s altitude turned towards peace, friendship and cooperation, Ragowra said adding “if Pakistan relies on use or force, directly or by Proxy, it should be met by force.”

Since Pakistan precipitated the present conflict in Kashmir and is guilty of numerous violations on the line of control, “There is reason why our forces are not allowed to straighten the Line of Control to our advantage and block the roots of infiltration,” he said.

Inaugurating a seminar on “regional conflicts in the post-cold war era,” the former foreign secretary said Local conflicts like Kashmir were often exploited by great powers to put pressure on India to suit their own “perceived geostrategic interests.”

With the “fluctuating stand of the U S and China” there was no need for India to entertain any pressure and find it is own solution on the Kashmir issue, he said.

A political process is necessary and now that insurgency is decreasing, it is time to think of one.” India should draw a well-coordinated approach on the Kashmir issue as the time is ripe to initiate a political process in view of the decreasing insurgency in the valley, he said “Ragotra, who is a Kashmiri Hindu, also opposed the government initiating any talks with the feeders of the Hurriyat conference, an umbrella political organization of 27 local bodies, including militant and secessionist outfits:

“The so-called Hurriyat leaders neither are nor are the Fight leaders to talk to They not the ones who can deliver the goods.”

 The Hurriyat was founded in United States and its slogan of freedom was also inspired from

Washington, he said. Elaborating on the Afghanistan problem and conflicts in Certain African countries, Rasgotra said that if the UN peace force was to succeed in its efforts, it should not interfere in any civil wars.

He advocated changes in the administrative machinery of the world body and constitution of a group comprising eminent personalities to watch the global situation periodically. He suggested that involvement of popular world leaders like Julies Nyerere of Tanzania be sought in evolving a tan, and Jong lasting solution to conflicts in Somalia and other African countries.

Article extracted from this publication >> June 10, 1994