Kashmir Separatists Welcome Pakistan's 4 point Peace Formula

NEW DELHI: The separatist camp in Jammu and Kashmir has welcomed the four-point "peace initiative" offered by Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif for resolution of Kashmir issue.

Terming Sharif's speech at the United General Assembly as a "commendable" move, the separatist leaders said India should respond positively to the "peace initiative".

"Kashmir is the highest militarised zone in the world where the Army has committed war crimes. Pakistani Prime Minister has done commendable job by reminding the UNO of its duties and responsibilities toward resolving Kashmir," veteran Hurriyat leader Syed AliGeelani said.

"Sharif represented emotions, sentiments and thinking of Kashmiris in the UN General Assembly," Geelani said.

At UN General Assembly, Sharif had said India and Pakistan "should address and resolve the causes of tension" and take all possible measures to avert further escalation.

"That is why I want to use the opportunity today to propose a new peace initiative with India, starting with measures that are the simplest to implement:

"One, we propose that Pakistan and India formalize and respect the 2003 understanding for a complete ceasefire on the Line of Control in Kashmir. For this purpose, we call for UNMOGIP's expansion to monitor the observance of the ceasefire.

"Two, we propose, that Pakistan and India reaffirm that they will not resort to the use or the threat of use of force under any circumstances. This is a central element of the UN Charter.

"Three, steps be taken to demilitarise Kashmir.

"Four, agree to an unconditional mutual withdrawal from Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battleground," he said.

Moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the remarks of Pakistani prime minister are "positive and realistic".

"India must respond to concrete suggestions and proposals of Nawaz Sharif and take steps toward demilitarisation. The Pakistan premier’s statement is a source of strength for the people of Kashmir and would encourage them towards carrying forward their struggle for self-determination,” Mirwaiz said.

“While Sharif had shown political maturity and his will to resolve issues with New Delhi, he had also exhibited flexibility toward resolving Kashmir issue and all other outstanding issues between the two countries in order bring peace in the region,” he said.

JKLF chief Yasin Malik said proposals like withdrawal of forces from Jammu and Kashmir, resolution of Jammu and Kashmir issue for peace and prosperity, accepting Kashmiris as prime party to the dispute, etc. are positive and reasonable initiatives.

“Kashmir issue is a humanitarian issue that has at one hand consumed three generations of Kashmiris and on other hand is constantly putting people of India and Pakistan in a continuous conflict, anarchy, division and clash and hence has jeopardized their prosperity and welfare as well,” he said.