The Hindu : Musharraf for `general cessation of violence' in Kashmir

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 05, 2004

International

International - India & World

Musharraf for `general cessation of violence' in Kashmir

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, FEB. 4. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, has said that his country favoured a "general cessation of brutality and violence" in Kashmir where a whole range of interim measures, including reduction of forces by India, must be taken to restore normality.

In a message on the eve of the state-sponsored Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Gen. Musharraf referred to the recent agreement between India and Pakistan for the resumption of a composite dialogue and said it had raised hopes of settlement of the Kashmir issue.

"The cycle of violence and counter-violence must end. This would entail foolproof measures for protecting and promoting the human rights of the Kashmiris and enabling them to realise their legitimate aspirations," he said in his message.

Gen. Musharraf reasoned that "interim steps" such as the reduction of forces in the valley would facilitate the search for a just and durable solution that corresponds with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

"Pakistan's support for the just Kashmiri cause is based not only on the bonds of kinship, but accords fully with our obligations and responsibility under international law, U.N. Charter, Principles and relevant Security Council resolutions," he said.

Gen. Musharraf said the observance of Day this year had a special significance as Pakistan and India stood at the crossroads in history.

Hopes for finding a peaceful solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute had been raised by prospects of resumption of composite talks between Pakistan and India.

He said, "The people of Pakistan will continue to stand by their Kashmiri brethren at all times and under all circumstances until they succeed in achieving their cherished goals. I am confident that history will vindicate them."

In his message, the Pakistan Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, said that it was one of the great ironies of history that although the people of Jammu and Kashmir were among the first to have their right of self-determination recognised by the United Nations, 56 years later, they had yet to exercise this right.

"For over five decades the people of Kashmir have waited for India to honour its pledges. Their valiant struggle continues and in spite of the brutality of the repression they have faced, it continues with a vigour and courage borne of conviction in the inherent justice of their cause. It is this very courage that we honour today," Mr. Jamali said.

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Musharraf for `general cessation of violence' in Kashmir