No peace in JK without role of Kashmiris: US

The US discusses the Kashmir issue with India and Pakistan, but it has to be ultimately resolved by both the countries with "active involvement" of Kashmiris, a top American official has said.

"We understand the importance of the Kashmir issue to both Pakistan and India, and it is something that we do discuss with both countries," the assistant secretary of state for public affairs P J Crowley said at a news briefing.

"But obviously, at the end of a process that has to be something that is resolved ultimately between Pakistan and India with the active involvement of the people of Kashmir."

Crowley was responding to questions related to an opinion piece written by the Pakistani President, Asif Ali Zardari, in The New York Times, in which he sought mediation of US in resolving Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.

"Just as the Israeli-Palestinian dispute cannot be resolved without accommodating the Palestinian people, there cannot be permanent regional peace in South Asia without addressing Kashmir," Zardari said.

"I thought it was a fine op-ed," the state department official said. When asked if the Obama administration sees any role for the US in this regard, as is being requested by Islamabad, Crowley said:  "I am not aware that we've been asked to play a specific role at this point.

Early this week, a top US military leader had welcomed India's decision to reduce forces from Jammu and Kashmir, and said "de-tensioning of that border" is absolutely critical to the long-term stability of the region.

"I really do believe that de-tensioning that (Kashmir) border is absolutely critical to the long-term stability in that region.
And it is going to take outreach on the part of both countries," Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, told foreign correspondents.

So, I am very positively moved by the steps that Prime Minister Singh's government has taken with respect to this, Mullen said in response to a question on the recent decision taken by New Delhi to reduce troops from Jammu and Kashmir and its implications in the region.

"I think that the adjustments that the Indians have proposed, and to the degree that has been executed -- I am just not current on the level of execution right now – but certainly executing those changes is a very positive step," Mullen said.