Washington, Oct 22: Observing that the ongoing violence in Kashmir and Pakistan's support to terrorists operating from its soil is one of the two key issues for stability in South Asia, a US Congressional body has warned against American complacency against terrorists and " Kashmir-related animosity" between India and Pakistan and possible proliferation of strategic arsenals. "The importance of US policies toward South Asia is difficult to deny. Missile proliferation and their implications for South Asian security are worthy of careful monitoring in the future", the Congressional Research Service (CRS), which advises the congress, says in a 35-page report.
"So long as terrorism and Kashmir-related animosity exist between India and Pakistan, making the outbreak of war a substantive risk, the continued proliferation of strategic arsenals in South Asia cannot be viewed with complacence", the report, titled missile proliferation and the strategic balance in South Asia, it says.
"Among the future developments that could exacerbate regional tensions are the increased influence of Hindu nationalism in New Delhi and/or the increased influence of Islamic fundamentalims in Islamabad," it notes. "Moreover, many analysts are concerned that continued that continued military rule in Pakistan will hamper efforts at regional entente," the report says. Bureau Report