Sending out a strong message to militants, President Pervez Musharraf Friday said those who believe in violence as the only option to resolve the Kashmir issue cannot be taken on board and both India and Pakistan needed to be steadfast against "all obstacles." Addressing a press conference in this garrison town, he made it clear that "all shades of Kashmiris" should be taken on board except those who believe that militancy is the only option to resolve the issue.
"We cannot take people on board who believe in confrontation and who think that only militancy solves the problem. They cannot be taken on board, they will remain opposed to whatever we do.
"They will create all obstacles and we have to be steadfast against all that they do," Musharraf said, as he dwelt on the Indo-Pak peace process and expressed satisfaction over its progress. "There will be obstacles and we have to be steadfast against all that they (militants) do," he said adding "that is why I say we should bold enough."
Musharraf said the confidence building measures were progressing well and that he was "fairly optimistic" that the two countries would be able to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.
"Our relations have never been this good before in our history, and we ought to be happy about that," he said adding "we are very glad the people of Pakistan and India want peace. This is another good sign."
The President said decision-makers on both sides "have realised that military (action) is no longer an option by any one of us.
"Pakistan cannot be coerced militarily. The only way forward is resolution of all disputes," Musharraf said. "I'm fairly optimistic that we will be able to move forward to a resolution of all disputes,"
Referring to the suicide bombing attack at the Marriott hotel in Islamabad on January 26, hours before the Indian Republic Day reception was scheduled to be held there, Musharraf said "there is no problem... things happen. But we still have to remain steadfast."
He said "there is no breakthrough in investigations related to 26 blast," and he is not aware of any details of the probe. Musharraf asserted that India and Pakistan should be bold enough not to get swayed by bomb blasts.