[sacw] Press Release from Hyderabad, India - 18 June 1999

[aiindex@mnet.fr]

June 18, 1999
The statement* below has been released by Admiral Ramdas (the former Chief
of the Indian Navy) who is the President of the India chapter of the
Pakistan India People's forum for Peace and Democracy. [ recieved from Dr.
Vithal Rajan, India]
(South Asians Against Nukes)
=========================

PRESS STATEMENT

The Indian and Pakistani forces have, for many years, exchanged fire along
the Line of Control in Kashmir. The ongoing Border War in the Kargil Sector
of Jammu and Kashmir has been a matter of grave concern, as this may well
lead to an all-out war, with disastrous consequences for the peoples of
both nations. As both countries have now become 'nuclear weapons capable,'
there is serious risk of these weapons being used, by accident or design -
thereby adding an unimaginable new and horrifying dimension to this entire
conflict.

The current violation of the LOC by the Mujahideens/infiltrators, assisted
by Pakistani Armed Forces, has led to this unfortunate situation. However
the root cause for these recurrent violations lies in the non-resolution of
the long-standing 'Kashmir question.' Despite being signatories to both the
Simla Agreement and the recent Lahore Declaration, which specifically
highlights the resolution of all disputes by peaceful means and
negotiation, we find ourselves locked in yet another round of hostilities.

Before things get out of hand, we would like to impress upon the political
leadership in both our countries the urgent need to cease all military
activities, and to take steps to restore peace and stability in the region.
This, we believe, can only be achieved by resorting to negotiations in the
spirit of the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, to arrive at a
permanent and acceptable political resolution of the dispute.

Admiral L. Ramdas
Chairperson - India Chapter
Pakistan-India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy

June 18, 1999
Hyderabad, India

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