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