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Musharraf calls for ceasefire along LoC
Islamabad, Aug 12: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has called for an immediate ceasefire along the Line of Control. Musharraf issued this statement at a meeting with an Indian parliamentrians and journalists at a tea hosted by him.
Islamabad, Aug 12: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has called for an immediate ceasefire along the Line of Control. Musharraf issued this statement at a meeting with an Indian parliamentrians and journalists at a tea hosted by him.
The delegation, which includes 31 members of parliament from across the political spectrum and ten journalists, is on a peace mission to Islamabad. The General also said that he wants Kargil to be forgotten and reiterated that Islamabad is not responsible for the violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, Government sources in India have indicated that the offer holds little meaning till Pakistan actually puts a stop to cross border terrorism.
"Unilaterally ceasefire has two connotations. Ceasefire on the LoC where we are firing at each other daily. Daily there are casualties on both sides. There ought to be a ceasefire on the LoC," Musharraf told the Indian delegation. Musharraf said it was a possibility in its totality. It was an immediate possibility because the two militaries were firing. "We stop from this side and they can stop from their side. This can take place tomorrow morning by giving orders today."
"The other ceasefire is ceasefire in what we call held Kashmir and what you (India) call differently. The totality is there only if there is a bilateral reciprocal formula. It has to be worked out and then it becomes a possibility," he said.
Claiming that there were six lakh Indian troops in Kashmir where "atrocities" were being committed, Musharraf sought reduction of forces in the state following which "one could attempt to facilitate and encourage ceasefire inside Kashmir".
He said "reciprocity should be in the form of stopping of atrocities, reduction of forces, allowing political activities and travel freely. These are elements of reciprocity and confidence building." Asked about India's concerns on Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, he said "There is no government sponsoring of cross-border terrorism on the LoC or across the LoC. Whatever is happening in Kashmir is freedom struggle."
At the same time, he said, ceasefire cannot be unilateral as it is not feasible or practical.
On the possibility of his talking with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pakistani General said, "I have no ego problem. I can pick up the telephone to him. Prime Minister Jamali did ring up Vajpayee. Yes, if it serves the purpose I can think of it".
He, however, felt that there should be no humiliation if he called up and there was no response from the Indian leader.
Bureau Report
However, Government sources in India have indicated that the offer holds little meaning till Pakistan actually puts a stop to cross border terrorism.
"Unilaterally ceasefire has two connotations. Ceasefire on the LoC where we are firing at each other daily. Daily there are casualties on both sides. There ought to be a ceasefire on the LoC," Musharraf told the Indian delegation. Musharraf said it was a possibility in its totality. It was an immediate possibility because the two militaries were firing. "We stop from this side and they can stop from their side. This can take place tomorrow morning by giving orders today."
"The other ceasefire is ceasefire in what we call held Kashmir and what you (India) call differently. The totality is there only if there is a bilateral reciprocal formula. It has to be worked out and then it becomes a possibility," he said.
Claiming that there were six lakh Indian troops in Kashmir where "atrocities" were being committed, Musharraf sought reduction of forces in the state following which "one could attempt to facilitate and encourage ceasefire inside Kashmir".
He said "reciprocity should be in the form of stopping of atrocities, reduction of forces, allowing political activities and travel freely. These are elements of reciprocity and confidence building." Asked about India's concerns on Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, he said "There is no government sponsoring of cross-border terrorism on the LoC or across the LoC. Whatever is happening in Kashmir is freedom struggle."
At the same time, he said, ceasefire cannot be unilateral as it is not feasible or practical.
On the possibility of his talking with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pakistani General said, "I have no ego problem. I can pick up the telephone to him. Prime Minister Jamali did ring up Vajpayee. Yes, if it serves the purpose I can think of it".
He, however, felt that there should be no humiliation if he called up and there was no response from the Indian leader.
Bureau Report