Governor’s rule termed pre-planned

Published October 20, 2002

ISLAMABAD, Oct 19: The imposition of governor rule in occupied Kashmir after the sham elections is a plan to hoodwink the international community, leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Prof Muhammad Ashraf Saraf said on Saturday.

He said a crisis has been created deliberately in the held valley to create a new perception in the international community that there was a constitutional process going on to establish a new government, he said while speaking in a PTV programme.

He further said caretaker chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah created a so-called constitutional crisis in the state by rejecting the offer of governor to continue as caretaker chief minister.

Despite all these tactics, India should show wisdom and take concrete steps for the resolution of the long-standing dispute, a major cause of tension between India and Pakistan, he added.

It has become evident in the present situation that unless the Kashmir issue is resolved neither relations between India and Pakistan would become normal nor there is a guarantee for a durable peace in South Asia.

He further said India has always tried to avoid a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan on the long-standing Kashmir dispute.

He said talks are imperative to bring normalcy in the region and India should be pragmatic in its approach, in this regard.

The international community is showing concern over the continuing tension between the two nuclear neighbours and has made efforts to de-escalate the situation.

But, he said, India stages ridiculous dramas whenever any international effort is made to cool down the situation in South Asia.

He was of the view that if India sincerely wants peace, prosperity and development in the region then it should come to the negotiating table.—APP

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