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Kar demands more UN observers at Kashmir LoC

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Senior Congress leader and former MP Ghulam Rasool Kar has demanded an increase in the number of United Nations Military Observers at the Line of Control in Kashmir in view of the increased troop movements there.

Such a move, he said in Srinagar, would 'reduce tension and help maintain peace at the border.'

Kar's statement takes on significance because this is the first time a senior Congress leader has made such a demand.

He expressed concern over the troop movements on both sides of the LoC and feared that if there is a war, Kashmir would be "destroyed" first.

"Tension at the LoC is against the wishes of the Kashmiris, who want a solution to this problem," he said.

Kar welcomed the suggestion of making the LoC into the international border if India and Pakistan agreed.

While welcoming the forthcoming talks between India and Pakistan in Colombo later this month, he said, "Kashmiris on either side have been held hostage by both countries. If they solve the problem it will be a great achievement."

The senior Congress leader demanded that Kashmiris be allowed to visit their relations in Pakistan occupied Kashmir with a visa from either Surchetgrah in Jammu on Muzaffarbad, instead of Wagha in Amritsar, which would save them time.

He supported the National Conference demand for the restoration of autonomy to the state. He said the government should hold discussions and involve people in working towards this.

He alleged that the Special Task Force of the J&K police was harassing the innocent people of the Valley.

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