Pakistan and India have not resolved the problem that divides us. (No) issue… poses a danger of war between India and Pakistan other than Kashmir.

I hope it will ever materialize But this is the obstacle of the development of normal relations between the two countries Pakistan’s stand has been based on the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir. In the last two and half years the people of Jammu and Kashmir have demonstrated for anyone who cares to see that they need freedom.

Are we moving in a direction that would solve the problem or are we determined to bludgeon a people into submission?

There is an authoritarian military administration in Srinagar. Which is not based on any representation of the people of Kashmir?

The aspirations of the people of Kashmir can be determined fairly and impartially only if there is an opportunity for them to speak for themselves.

A plebiscite as certainly a fair method is another question. No negotiations have been taken place between Pakistan and India on this subject. We keep on talking at each other. There is a dialogue of the deaf. Nothing really gets done Forty-three years have passed since the (UN) resolutions were adopted which have not been implemented. We have to find a way out.

First by bilateral discussions and if we conclude that these cannot be fruitful then we can go on to other means of settling differences… conciliation mediation arbitration.

That the line of control… be frozen and each side keep what it has was a proposal put forward by the Indian delegation at Simla in1972anditwas not acceptable to the Pakistan delegation Because it is not acceptable to the People of Kashmir. You cannot find solution in isolation other aspirations of the people of Kashmir it’s a folly to assume that it is not acceptable to the People of Kashmir.

This is true even if Pak and India were to join the people of Kashmir. You cannot determine (their) future by negotiation between Islamabad and New Delhi.

What is the government of India doing inside Kashmir today? It is a free fire zone. The number of people killed in the past two years is estimated at least 6500 on the Indian side and if you ask Kashmiris the number is even higher. This is not a civilized way of dealing with a neither problem nor is it likely to be effective. In this day and age you cannot find a durable solution based on repression.

The future of Jammu and Kashmir remains to be determined. Pakistan supports the struggle of the people of Kashmir through political diplomatic and moral means.

Pakistanis not supplying arms we reject the idea that Pakistan is giving training. Pakistan does not interfere in internal problems of India. Kashmir is not recognized by Pakistan as an internal affair. Kashmir is an international issue and international dispute. We have the right of uphold the struggle of the people of Kashmir for self-determination rough legal means political moral and diplomatic. We believe India is engaged in an illegal and immoral repression in the state of Kashmir.” (Muslim India)

(Muslim India)

Article extracted from this publication >> April 10, 1992