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Pallone regrets withdrawal of cease-fire

Aziz Haniffa
India Abroad Correspondent in Washington

US Representative Frank Pallone, founder and former co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, has regretted India's decision to end the unilateral cease-fire in Jammu & Kashmir, but said he could appreciate New Delhi's rationale in doing so in the face of continuing terrorism from across the border.

The New Jersey lawmaker also called on Pakistan to seize India's magnanimous gesture in inviting military leader General Pervez Musharraf for bilateral talks to provide a basis for the resolution of the Kashmir imbroglio.

"While I regret the end of the cease-fire," Pallone said, "I understand it was difficult for India to continue it considering the increased insurgent attacks by militants and the greater risk to Indian forces and civilians in the region."

"I strongly support India's move asking for constructive bilateral talks with its neighbour for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute," he said.

Pallone called on Pakistan to "seize the invitation for bilateral talks by the Indian prime minister as the final chance for withdrawing all support for cross-border terrorism."

He noted that "Pakistan has long insisted that lack of bilateral talks with India on the Kashmir issue is the sole issue of contention between the two countries".

"With this invitation," Pallone argued, "I believe Pakistan has no justification whatsoever to continue any support -- institutional, monetary, military, or otherwise -- for militant groups headquartered in Pakistan or logistically supported by Pakistan forces."

The Kashmir Cease-Fire: The Complete Coverage

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