27 October 2004	Wednesday	12 Ramazan 1425

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MUZAFFARABAD, Oct 26: Reacting to President Gen Pervez Musharraf's statement on options to resolve the Kashmir issue, Kashmiri leaders were almost unanimous that no lasting solution could be achieved without the consent and involvement of the basic party to the dispute.

AJK Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat appeared worried and told this correspondent: "The options have been floated by President Musharraf without taking the Kashmiris into confidence."

"The president has repeatedly said that whenever there is any development regarding solution or dialogue with India, he will take the Kashmiri leadership into confidence. But that has not been the case this time round," he said.

"We believe in plebiscite, the one promised to us by both India and Pakistan more than five decades ago. And now they are talking about division of Kashmir into seven regions. This negates Kashmir's integrity and our centuries' old tradition to live together in peace," he said, adding that he was for "one Kashmir and against its division".

Though he was yet to study the options in detail, in his view these would not be acceptable to the Kashmiris, he said.

"Yes, Kashmiris can agree to any solution other than the UN resolutions provided they have already agreed to it among themselves."

He said he would place the matter before his cabinet and if need be also summon a Legislative Assembly session.

"I may also host a meeting of Kashmiri politicians to discuss this new thing which has appeared all of a sudden."

Implementation of the UN resolutions, he said, was a popular demand in Kashmir for it guaranteed the 'oneness of the state'.

"However, if a plebiscite is not held, the Chenab formula is the best option," he said, referring to a division of the state along the Chenab river.

"I don't say Chenab is the ultimate solution, but it's better than others. However, a final decision has to be made by the Kashmiris."

On demilitarization, he said: "It can be supported if it brings relief to the Kashmiri Muslims in the held territory but there must be some international guarantee."

Mr Hayat said Pakistan had always extended fullest support to the Kashmiris' cause and added "it should not say anything that could make its support suspicious."

AJK Jamaat-i-Islami accused President Musharraf of "unveiling an American roadmap on Kashmir which is not aimed at resolving but dissolving the Kashmir issue".

"We reject the way the proposals have been brought to fore. We support the process that involves the Kashmiris," JI acting amir Nurul Bari said.

According to him, the proper place to present such options is the negotiating table, in the presence of all the three parties and monitored by the UN.

"Our stand is clear. One, there will not be any compromise on the integrity of the state and two, the will of the Kashmiris must be sought and they be given what they want."

He said that presenting unilateral options at a time when India was keeping quiet would only serve to demoralize the struggling Kashmiris.

"Another objective of the exercise at this time appears to be aimed at diverting attention from his (president's) uniform issue."

About demilitarization, he said it would acceptable only if it was followed by a plebiscite.

For JKLF chairman Amanullah Khan, there was at least one positive aspect: for the first time complete independence of Kashmir has been presented as one of the options to resolve the issue.

Similarly, Mr Khan said, it was good that Pakistan had accepted Gilgit-Baltistan as part of Kashmir. But, he regretted, there was no mention anywhere of the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiris.

For this very reason, "I am afraid the proposals would not make any headway".

He replied in the affirmative when asked if he would appreciate the spirit behind the proposals.

"Yes I do appreciate he (Musharraf) strongly wishes a resolution of Kashmir. But the way he wants to resolve it without taking into account the wishes and sentiments of the Kashmiris is objectionable."

He said the demilitarization offer was vague. "Kashmiris have no complaints against Pakistan army stationed in this part, but against the Indian army deployed on the other side," he said, adding he was also at a loss to understand "the change of status of the regions at stake".

Kashmir's leading unilateral group Hizbul Mujahideen said it would hold threadbare discussions with "pro-freedom political and militant leadership" to offer a 'unified reaction' to Gen Musharraf's proposals.

"The proposals have come up from a person who is president and also the chief of the armed forces, so we have to discuss it in detail with pro-freedom Kashmiris, politicians and fellow militant leaders, for a comprehensive reaction," Hizb spokesman Salim Hashmi said.