ISLAMABAD: A fair solution to Kashmir issue is the only way for sustainable peace in South Asia.

The issue should be resolved according to the aspiration of Kashmiri people.

This was stated by Awami Workers Party President and eminent lawyer Abid Hassan Manto during a press conference on the occasion of the alliance between two left-wing parties; the United Kashmir People National Party (UKPNP) and Awami Workers Party (AWP).

“This coalition will counter the extremist forces creating hatred between the masses of Pakistan and India, on religious grounds,” Mr Manto said.

“Every year, the governments of both countries spend a large portion of their budget in the name of national defence, due to the permanent tensions between Pakistan and India,” Tahir Shah Gardezi, the central secretary general, UKPNP, said, adding that “while a large number of people are living below poverty line, militant forces are increasing due to the Kashmir conflict.”

Both parties have announced that they support roundtable dialogue between Pakistan and India. Mr Manto said the governments of both countries should stop harassing nationalist and progressive activists of Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2014