Endorsing India's stand, a delegation of British parliamentarians has strongly advocated that international pressure should be brought on Pakistan to end cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir where 'mercenaries' are waging a 'proxy' war.
"It is clear that the number of Kashmiri terrorists is reducing and the struggle is becoming much more of a proxy war fought by mercenaries and terrorist groups that have agendas other than Kashmir," Stephen Pound, who led the delegation told newspersons in London.
"Pressure has to be brought on Pakistan to put a stop to infiltration of militants from across the border as the people of Kashmir want to live in peace."
Pound said the recent assembly elections in the state has offered a 'window of opportunity' for progress towards peace.
During the visit, the delegation met Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti and discussed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The seven-member delegation also gave a clean chit to Indian security forces saying it was incorrect to say they were 'in occupation'.
"What we actually saw was a disciplined force, who were having their members killed, who were actually not wanting to
be there," Pound said.
Tony Clarke, one of the members, said they were impressed by the 'absolute desire' of Kashmiri people for restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.
Other members of the delegation were Stephen Hesford, Ann Cryer, Tom Watson, Peter Kilfoyle and Chris Ruane.
Ann Cryer, the only woman member of the delegation, who had earlier visited Pakistan, said she found women in India
'far more visible than in Pakistan'.
She was impressed by the high profile and competence of women, particularly in the private sector. On the other hand, she saw more poverty in rural India than in rural Pakistan.
On its return, the delegation has met British International Development Secretary Clare Short and impressed upon her to fund Jammu and Kashmir in its recovery.
"Rebuilding civic institutions is part and parcel of the progress and the present state government, elected on a mandate for change and civic services delivery, needs to be assisted," Pound said.
The delegation was awe struck by the staggering beauty of the Kashmir valley, which has been 'devastated' by militancy and human failures, the members told the newspersons.
During the eleven-day visit, the delegation visited Delhi, Hyderabad, and the states of Punjab and J&K Kashmir.
Pound said India has embraced globalisation in a way not seen in any other industrial nation.
"You have the golden duality of high tech, low wages and you can't beat that. Many people said that the 21st century is the Indian century, and I rather believe they may be right," he said.
PTI
