The
UK-based Justice Foundation Kashmir Centre has welcomed the two-day
Indo-Pakistan Foreign Secretary level meeting and expressed hope that
it would also lead to meaningful discussion on the vexing Kashmir
issue. In a statement, JFKC Executive Director Prof. Nazir Ahmed Shawl
said the talks between India’s Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her
Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir could become a landmark event
if efforts are started to create a congenial atmosphere not only in the
state of Jammu and Kashmir but also between the two neighbouring
countries.
“For any forward movement, realisation of a peaceful atmosphere is vital
due to many reasons. Blames games must end, the trust deficit needs to
be bridged and reciprocal steps need to be initiated.
“Some of the many stark realities is addressing the severity of human rights violations and the withdrawal of punitive laws such as the Public Safety Act and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from IOK ,” he said.
Prof. Shawl said Kashmir centric CBMs such as withdrawal of armed forces personnel from city centres and other areas of public movement would be a welcome start.
“What is essential is to create an ownership for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the entire dialogue process once the modalities have been set up and time frames worked out, as the authentic voices of Kashmir are required within the dialogue for a durable and just solution,” he stressed. APP
“Some of the many stark realities is addressing the severity of human rights violations and the withdrawal of punitive laws such as the Public Safety Act and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from IOK ,” he said.
Prof. Shawl said Kashmir centric CBMs such as withdrawal of armed forces personnel from city centres and other areas of public movement would be a welcome start.
“What is essential is to create an ownership for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the entire dialogue process once the modalities have been set up and time frames worked out, as the authentic voices of Kashmir are required within the dialogue for a durable and just solution,” he stressed. APP
