Though Indian officials and Pakistan diplomats in the Capital are tight-lipped on the issue, it is reportedly being negotiated across the table.
NEW DELHI: Safe passage for foreign jihadis operating in Kashmir is under active consideration between India and Pakistan, said Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, a veteran PoK leader, known to be close to Pakistan president General Pervez Musharraf.
Though Indian officials and Pakistan diplomats in the Capital are tight-lipped on the issue, Qayyum said it is being negotiated across the table.
The veteran POK leader is in the Capital for an intra-Kashmir dialogue promoted by Bhim Singh, leader of the Kashmir Panther Party.
A statement issued at the end of the meeting, called for safe passage of the jihadis.
“To promote the peace process, we feel it is time that a general amnesty is granted to all those in jails... Those languishing behind the bars or present in Jammu and Kashmir can be given an opportunity to return home,” Kashmiri leaders said.
Qayyum, once an ardent supporter of an armed struggle for Kashmir’s secession from India, is now bent on negotiating the contentious issue.
He stressed there is no place for violence after 9/11, and it would be counter-productive. The veteran leader said he would appeal to both the militants and separatist groups to join in the peace process.
Once the government’s whipping horse, Qayyum is now an honoured guest and he called on Prime Minisiter Manmohan Singh to push the peace agenda.
He ruled out Kashmir’s independence, saying: “An independent Muslim country having sovereignty in the region is not possible. It is wastage of time and a mental luxury for some.”
Addressing top Indian officials on Saturday, he said: “A safe passage for PoK militants in Kashmir is necessary. This will allow them to get back home. Instead of keeping them there, it is better they are moved to PoK.”
Qayyum has, however, been flayed for his remarks by the United Jihad Council.
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