November 13, 2001	Tuesday	Shaba’an 26, 1422

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SRINAGAR, Nov 12: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference on Monday called for a ceasefire by all groups, including Indian occupation forces and Mujahideen, in Kashmir.

“We propose that India, Pakistan, the APHC and other parties concerned call for a ceasefire,” APHC chief Abdul Gani Bhat told reporters.

“The APHC proposes that India, Pakistan and the APHC initiate negotiations with the seriousness and purpose to move forward. All parties (should) come forward and resolve the issue of Kashmir as per the wishes of the people of the troubled state,” he said.

The call comes almost a year after India announced a suspension of combat operations in the valley to mark the beginning of Ramazan. Mr Bhat urged all groups to “put their heads together and resolve the dispute within a time-frame.”

“The solution has to be acceptable, honourable and durable,” he said. The APHC, which came into being in 1993, wants resolution of the Kashmir dispute either through the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions or through tripartite talks involving India, Pakistan and Kashmiris.

“When we talk of purpose and target, we have to involve everyone: India, Pakistan and the APHC,” Mr Bhat said.

Commenting on the pressure on New Delhi, Mr Bhat said: “India will have to fall in line and start serious negotiations.”

He challenged Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s characterization of freedom fighters as “terrorists.”

“No freedom fighter can pass for a terrorist. We in Kashmir are involved in a righteous, just and legitimate freedom struggle,” Mr Bhat said. He thanked world leaders, particularly US President George W. Bush, for stressing the need for resolving the Kashmir dispute.

INDIA WARNED: Mr Bhat said it may call on people to take to the streets in protest if India did not stop human rights violations in Kashmir.

“Enough is enough. The APHC has decided that we may call upon the people to come on the streets if things do not improve,” said Mr Bhat.—AFP