[sacw] PRESS RELEASE, Pakistan Peace Coalition

[Harsh Kapoor]

June 26, 1999
FYI
(South Asia Citizens Web)
======================

PRESS RELEASE, From Pakistan Peace Coalition (PPC)

26 June 1999

All the Pakistani people who are committed to peace, democratic
values and the inviolable dignity of human life are gravely concerned
at the conflict in Kargil. A considerable number of people have
already perished in the fighting. Normal life and activity in both
Pakistan and India, and specially in Kashmir, have been grievously
affected by fears of an extended and enlarged war.

We believe that the crisis in Kargil is a direct consequence of the
nuclear tests by India and Pakistan last year.

The armed forces of both states have been mobilised and war hysteria
has been created in both countries. Hardliners in both countries are
talking of a wider conflagration without betraying any concern for
the interests of the people. These developments have created a grave
risk of war and a possibility that it may become nuclear war.

The present conflict has only caused greater repression of the
Kashmiris by India, strengthened chauvinist and reactionary forces in
both countries and in Kashmir, and enhanced possibilities of
recurring crises between Pakistan and India.

The peace movement in Pakistan unequivocally supports the right of
the people of Kashmir and everywhere else to determine their own
future. We condemn all those forces that refuse to allow the
Kashmiris an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights in an
atmosphere free of violence, terror and coercion.

We believe India and Pakistan must act immediately to calm the
conflict along the Line of Control, declare a ceasefire, take their
armed forces off high alert, respect each other`s sovereignty in
accordance with international legal conventions and norms, and ask
the United Nations to strengthen its monitoring of the LoC.

Once this is done, the two countries must negotiate to repair the
damage done by the recent crisis, to improve relations and to find a
solution to the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the
Kashmiri people, in consultation with them, and in harmony with the
recognised principles and norms of international law. While a sincere
effort is made to find a permanent settlement of the Kashmir dispute,
both Pakistan and India must eschew war as a means of resolving
differences. War or the threat of war is not an option peace-loving
people will ever countenance.

Release by,

B. M. Kutty
Convener, PPC

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