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Musharraf calls for ceasefire along LoC

August 12, 2003 16:33 IST

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday called for ceasefire along the Indo-Pak border in Kashmir and the Line of Control.

"Unilaterally ceasefire has two connotations. Ceasefire on the LoC where we are firing at each other. Daily there are casualties on both sides. There ought to be a ceasefire on the LoC," Musharraf told the visiting Indian delegation of journalists and parliamentarians at a tea hosted by him.

Musharraf said it was a possibility in its totality. It was an immediate possibility because the two militaries were firing. "We stop from this side and they can stop from their side. This can take place tomorrow morning by giving orders today."

"The other ceasefire is ceasefire in what we call Indian-held Kashmir and what you (India) call differently... the totality is there only if there is a bilateral reciprocal formula. It has to be worked out and then it becomes a possibility," he said.

Claiming that there were 600,000 Indian troops in Kashmir where 'atrocities' were being committed, Musharraf sought reduction of forces in the state following which 'one could attempt to facilitate and encourage ceasefire inside Kashmir'.

"Reciprocity should be in the form of stopping of atrocities, reduction of forces, allowing political activities and travel freely... these are elements of reciprocity and confidence building," he said.

Asked about India's concerns on Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, he said. "There is no government sponsoring of cross-border terrorism on the LoC or across the LoC. Whatever is happening in Kashmir is freedom struggle."

At the same time, he said, ceasefire cannot be unilateral as it is not feasible or practical.

On the possibility of his talking with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pakistani general said, "I have no ego problem. I can pick up the telephone to him. Prime Minister Jamali did ring up Vajpayee. Yes, if it serves the purpose I can think of it."

He, however, felt that there should be no 'humiliation' if he called up and there was no response from the Indian leader.


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Number of User Comments: 5




Sub: Ridiculous.....

One would hope that after all the back-stabbing and grandstanding by this Charlie in khakis, our leadership will be careful and watchful. His position and ...


Posted by Surinder Khanna





Sub: Never ever forget Kargil !!!

Never ever forget Kargil OR forgive the Paki liars. We should be eternally vigilant against a determined, fanatical enemy. Talk to them, by all means, ...


Posted by Shaw





Sub: India won't trust this ediot

he is the most untrustable ediot we hav seen on earth. How can he expect us to trust him who on one hand encourages terrorism ...


Posted by ramkrishna





Sub: ''THERE GOES -(M)''!!!

DEAR SIR, Can anyone in his right senses ever "TRUST" "M"?The script writer of KARGIL has the temerity to talk of cease fire!!Let him,for a ...


Posted by H.BALAKRISHNAN





Sub: Can You make a Demon a Man.....?

The crux of the matter is: Can you make a Demon a Man? No matter how much of "thawing" has taken place in the bilateral ...


Posted by SRIHEBBAR




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