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US condemns terrorist attacks

The United States has condemned terrorist attacks at a number of sites throughout Kashmir that have reportedly claimed some 104 lives and left many others injured.

These acts of terrorism "are clearly aimed at undermining the cease-fire declared last week by the Hizbul Mujahideen and Indian security forces," State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker said in a statement Wednesday.

Reeker said the US welcomed the statement of Indian Prime Minister A B Vajpayee in which he said India would "continue to pursue the path of peace. We urge the governments and organisations involved to carry the process forward, and not to allow the enemies of peace to sabotage this promising initiative."

This is the text of Reeker's statement:

"Press reports indicate that attacks at a number of sites throughout Kashmir have claimed the lives of some 104 people. In the largest incident, a gun and grenade attack on Hindu pilgrims en route to a holy site killed over 25 people at a communal kitchen and injured some 40 more.

"We have no information about the identity of those responsible for these attacks, but these wanton acts of inhumanity are clearly aimed at undermining the cease-fire declared last week by the Hizbul-Mujahideen and Indian security forces.

"We condemn these outrageous and inhuman massacres, and extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who died. The perpetrators of these evil deeds should certainly be brought to justice.

"The continuing tragic loss of life in Kashmir underscores once again the pressing need for all those involved in the conflict to renounce violence and resolve their differences by peaceful means. This will take courage, wisdom and determination.

"We welcome the statement of Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee that India will continue to pursue the path of peace. We urge the governments and organisations involved to carry the process forward, and not to allow the enemies of peace to sabotage this promising initiative."

UNI

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