Jammu & Kashmir - Articles

Alsafa (24 September) gave prominence to the statement of Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf that "For a bright future, Past must not be recalled."  After addressing the UN General Assembly, Musharraf, in an interview with Indian TV channel denied that he has demanded a deadline from India for the resolution of Kashmir issue. He said, "India blames Pakistan for cross border terrorism and we (Pakistan) claim that there were gross human rights violations being committed in Kashmir." It continued, "Musharraf reiterated that the CBMs with India would continue so that the bilateral relations improve."

Aftab (27 September) in its editorial, 'The recent talks over Kashmir', commented on the meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New York. "Pervez Musharraf and Manmohan Singh attended the UN General Assembly annual session and talked about bilateral relations. Kashmir issue also came up for discussion during the meeting. The leaders reiterated yet again that both countries would continue to make efforts for the resolution of Kashmir issue through peaceful means." It continued, "Since last 57 years, the two countries have been issuing statements aimed at resolution of Kashmir issue. They even hold talks on Kashmir issue and after every round of talks issue statements that both uphold the resolution of Kashmir issue through peaceful means and in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people. But since 57 years they have not been able to act on the statements issued by them from time to time. As a result, the situation on the ground remains the same as it was in 1947." Summing up, it said, "The only difference one could notice today is that the leadership of two countries issue such statements rather repeatedly."

Iqbal Manhas in an article in weekly Chattan (27 - 03 October) observed that Indian Prime Minister's visit outside the country elicited good results. "Tony Blair said that his country sees the ongoing struggle (movement) in Kashmir as terrorism. Blair even argued that militants were targeting ordinary people and political activists in Kashmir." It continued, "One fails to understand as to why the Indian government bound media didn’t hype up Blair’s statement for weeks? In fact, in the heart of its hearts, Delhi celebrated  Blair’s statement to the hilt. Also, it appears that Delhi doesn’t want to play a spoilsport to the much confidential talks between J N Dixit, a close associate of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and Tariq Aziz, President Musharraf’s close associate."

Srinagar Times (5 September) in its editorial, 'Talks at a new height' observed that Pakistan Foreign Minister, Khursheed Mohd Kasuri’s statement was exceptional in the sense that Kasuri  referred to Kashmiris as the third party in the dialogue and not Hurriyat. "Whenever Pakistani leaders would refer to the third party in the dialogue, it was always Hurriyat Conference. But now Kasuri has referred to Kashmiris which means people of Kashmir viz., people of three regions which include Muslims, Sikhs and of course, Hindus. Besides people in the Valley, the statement should be encouraging for the minority communities reeling under violence since 15 years. It continued, "Whereas Kasuri’s statement that Kashmiris should be involved in the dialogue process makes much sense, it bears no resemblance with President Musharraf’s statement  that "Kashmir issue could not be deferred for too long and it should be resolved within a particular time frame." The whole world is looking forward to Foreign Ministers level talks between two countries and hopes for a positive outcome, concluded the editorial.

On the postponement of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the Valley,  Aftab (14 September) in its editorial, 'Prime Minister’s visit to Kashmir', commented, "People were not expectant with the Prime Minister’s visit and angry Kashmiris never hoped for an economic package for the state from a renowned economist like Dr. Manmohan Singh. They (Kashmiris) have realized that power-wielding politicians from Delhi only make promises but do not keep them." They know whosoever comes to Kashmir hears to people in power and not to the beleaguered valley people.

Wadi Ki Awaz (28 September) in its editorial, 'Let them walk an extra mile', observed that Pakistan and India should extend the ceasefire beyond Line of Control (LOC) so that violence ridden people may heave a sigh of relief. "A villager hailing from Rajouri was shot dead by troops at Shopian  in district Budgam on Saturday morning. Such killings are going on unabated as the ceasefire is in place along the LOC only. On an average, 5 to 12 people are killed everyday in the state and it appears that Valley people are facing the worst phase in the history." It continued, "During last 15 years of turmoil, nearly one lakh people mostly youth have lost their lives in Kashmir and thousand others have been rendered maimed and disabled. Like other parts of the world, people in the Valley want to live a peaceful life. For this, they have been eagerly looking forward towards the leadership of India and Pakistan to deliver the goods in this crisis situation."