Former President Azad Kashmir, Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan has termed the Kashmir conflict ‘most dangerous and complex’ issue in the world between two nuclear states and said the international community needs to bring about a peaceful solution to the problem.

The leader of the Muslim Conference was in Colombo on invitation by Pugwash, an International Non-governmental Organization from Pugwash, Nova Scotia, Canada involved in disarmament and conflict resolution. In an interview, Sardar Qayyum said the voice of the people in held Kashmir is in favor of acceding with Pakistan.

Representatives of both parts of Kashmir attended the conference the purpose of which was to create a congenial environment for conflict resolution. Speaking of the overall involvement of Pakistan in assisting the people of Kashmir in solving the long standing issue of self-determination, he said that Pakistan government is doing its maximum and lending diplomatic, political and moral support.

He maintained, “While Kashmiris feel akin to Pakistan, due to many similarities including that of ideology, Indian government is stuck up since they are alien in Kashmir.” Citing the ceasefire as the most significant move, towards solving this long standing issue between the two countries, he proposed attention to immediate issues, as the best path to tread in bringing a peaceful solution.

He cited freedom of movement between the two countries as an expressway to bring about a peaceful solution, suggesting that the borders should be maintained in a similar manner to those between European countries. He said that Kashmiris are of the unanimous view that the government of India should be requested to step up efforts to bring a solution to the conflict, by simplifying the procedure for the general public to interact with each other.

Taking the bus service between the two territories as an example, he pointed out that thousands are awaiting permission to travel due to stringent restrictions. Simplifying the travel restrictions to holding a personal identity card and allowing trade without restriction, “should raise the level of (civilian) participation immediately,” he said.

Speaking about the efforts of the Kashmiri leaders of both sides, he said that the role of the Kashmir is critical in solving the issue. Sardar Qayyum said the civilians in Kashmir are under the worst kind of pressure, with the younger generation almost on the verge of destruction.

India should display more sincerity towards held Kashmir issue: Bazaz
Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Forum Chief Pundits Bhushan Bazaz has said that the burning issue of Kashmir could only be solved if India displays more sincerity toward the issue.

Addressing a meeting of party workers, he said the Kashmir issue should be solved within defined time frame. Bazaz said the issue could be solved only if India displays more sincerity added, “The recent efforts by the two countries on Kashmir are laudable. But for a final settlement, India and Pakistan will have to be more sincere and set a time frame for it.”

He said that some elements in India and Pakistan have developed vested interests into the non-resolution of Kashmir issue and subsequent violence. He maintained that such elements did not want the violence should be stopped as their livelihood depends on the bloodshed,” he said.

Kashmir resolution vital for peace in SA: APHC (AJK)
Urging the international community to play its role to help resolve Kashmir dispute for the sake of peace and stability in South Asia, the convener of Hurriyat Conference (M), AJK chapter, Yousuf Naseem has said the longstanding dispute should be resolved amicably in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir so as to ensure peace, progress and prosperity in the region.

Naseem made these remarks while talking to the Canadian Acting High Commissioner, Johan J Moore at Canadian High Commission in Pakistan.
three member delegation led by Naseem briefed the Canadian diplomat about latest situation prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir, gave him a detailed account of human rights situation in the area.

They added that despite the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan there was no let up in the human rights abuses. They pointed out that illegally detained Kashmiris were languishing in jails without any trial.

Referring to India‘s intransigence, the Kashmiri representatives termed it as a major hurdle and consequently there was no substantial progress on Kashmir issue so for as the resolution of the dispute is concerned.

Terming the four point formula given by President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf as significant development to address the core issue of Kashmir, the delegates said that India should grab the opportunity to get the problem resolved so that peace and prosperity could harmonize in the subcontinent

India to give up rigid stance to bring peace in Valley: Geelani
Chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Syed Ali Geelani has said that peace in Held Kashmir is impossible till Government of India does not give up its rigid stance on Kashmir issue.
Talking to media after his re-election as a Chairman for the party, he observed that Indian Government should bring flexibility in its attitude towards the solution of Kashmir and that is the sole way to peace in Held Valley, he added. To developments in Pakistan, he said these are not in the interests of Kashmiris according to him, peace is impossible till Government of India does not give up its rigid stance

He ridiculed the statement of Defense Minister of India Mr. AK Antony that army was not an occupation force. Geelani alleged that security forces have resorted to worst kind of atrocities on people. He viewed that the life and honor of the masses is not safe in presence of security forces. The separatist leader in this connection referred to the incidents at Kangan, Bandipora and Kunan Poshpora