Author: KJM Varma (PTI)
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: December 7, 2002
URL: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_115120,0005.htm
In the midst of rising tensions
with India over the issue of cross- border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan
Jamali and leaders of Pak-based terrorist groups have vowed to continue
with their pro- active Kashmir policy.
In his message on Eid-ul-Fitar,
President Pervez Musharraf has said that he prayed for the success of the
"Kashmiri freedom movement" and reiterated his government's resolve to
continue providing all possible political, moral and diplomatic support
to Kashmiris.
He said that Pakistan would persist
this policy until a fair settlement of the Kashmir issue was reached in
accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
"As we celebrate Eid, we remember
with respect and gratitude all those who have laid down their lives in
the epic struggle (in Kashmir)", he said.
In a similar message, Prime Minister
Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali praised Kashmiris for their "valiant" struggle
and asked India "to resume a purposeful dialogue with Pakistan for the
resolution of the Kashmir crisis".
"For more than half a century, our
Kashmiri brothers and sisters have been engaged in a courageous and legitimate
struggle for freedom," he said.
He said Pakistan was a "recognised"
party to the Kashmir dispute and had moral and legal obligations to the
people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jamali said India should end its
"human rights violations" and allow the Hurriyat leadership to freely engage
in political activity, as well as to travel.
In his message, leader of the Pakistan
based terrorist group, Hizbul Mujahideen, Saeed Salahuddin targeted the
new government in Jammu and Kashmir and Ram Jethmalani's Kashmir Committee
for attempting to damage the Mujahideen groups, particularly the Hizbul
Mujahideen.
