Kashmir independence only way out: Hijazi

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, AUG. 15. Terming the Kashmir issue as a ``bone of contention'' between India and Pakistan, the secretary-general of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Amanullah Khan faction), Dr. Haider Hijazi, today urged both the nations to grant independence to Jammu and Kashmir which was the only way to end the miseries in the lives of Kashmiris.

Claiming that more than 80 per cent of the Kashmiris favoured independence, Dr. Hijazi, who was speaking at a convention on ``Kashmir and Indo-Pak Friendship'' organised by the Secular Democratic Forum here, said wars and spate of violence since 1947 had claimed many lives thereby further increasing a sense of distrust and animosity between the two nations.

``The creation of independent Kashmir will not only fulfil the aspirations of Kashmiris but also be instrumental in beginning a new era of friendship between India and Pakistan where Kashmir will act as a bridge of faith and hope,'' he asserted.

Stating that situation was worse in Kashmir on both sides of the border, Dr. Hijazi said Kashmiris were not against India and want that people-to-people contact should be established which would help to iron out differences. Claiming that Kashmiri Pandits were also disillusioned with the Indian Government, he urged them to return to the Valley where Kashmiris would welcome them with open arms.

The former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Mr. Justice Rajinder Sachar said restoring pre-1953 status to Jammu and Kashmir was the only solution to the Kashmir problem. Supporting the demand of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, he said the need of the hour was to take Kashmiri people into confidence and then seriously pursue the path of dialogue by involving them at every step.

Terming both Indian and Pakistani Governments as ``hypocrites'', Mr. Justice Sachar said armed conflicts could not solve this complex issue and only solution could be reached through political dialogue. ``When France and Germany which have a bitter history of conflicts can become good friends and work towards better future, then the same is possible in case of India and Pakistan.''

Mr. K.N. Ramachandran of the CPI(ML) alleged that the Government had continued with its repression of Kashmiri people and further increase in the purview of Disturbed Areas Act would worsen the situation.

Academic Dr. Abubaker said belligerent speeches and aggressive postures by leaders of the two nations in the post-summit scenario would spoil the atmosphere of hope and faith that had been built. Both nations should be cautious before cynicism took over, he added.

Dr. Sapan Mukherjee of the CPI-ML (Liberation) lambasted the Centre for taking fascist measures while dealing with the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Urging to end repression of Kashmiris, he said the Valley people had been neglected for long and they should be given their rights.

Later, a resolution was passed which demanded that the Jammu and Kashmir issue be settled by recognising the right of Kashmiris to decide their future. It also demanded no division of the State on communal basis, early resumption of Indo-Pak. dialogue and defeat of the U.S. ploy to Balkanise South Asia.

The Secular Democratic Front has decided to hold a demonstration in front of Parliament on August 30 to press for their demands in which several Left organisations are also likely to take part.

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