Author:
Publication: Zenit.org
Date: June 6, 2002
The United Christian Forum (UCF)
welcomed a survey result showing the vast majority of Kashmiris prefer
to be part of India rather than of Pakistan, the Catholic agency SAR News
reported.
"We heartily welcome and endorse
the result of the survey made by British-based Mori International, which
shatters the claims made by Pakistan that Kashmiris want independence from
India," said Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao of Delhi, president of the
UCF.
"This nails the lies spread by separatists
and terrorists and gives us a chance to look at the whole problem from
a new perspective," he added.
UCF comprises the Catholic Bishops'
Conference of India, the National Council of Churches in India, and Evangelical
Fellowship of India.
According to the Mori International
survey, 92% of Kashmiris oppose any division of Jammu and Kashmir, while
61% of Kashmiris believe they are much better off politically and economically
as Indian citizens.
The survey, conducted April 22-28,
found that 86% of Kashmiris, including 78% of Muslims, believe the militants
must leave the valley for peace to be maintained. And 39% of Muslims accused
Pakistan of fueling militancy.
