Press hails Kashmir moves

Newspapers see recent developments as significant

By Rajyasri Rao in Delhi and Susannah Price in Islamabad

Most national newspapers in India have greeted the latest developments over Kashmir enthusiastically.

The extension of the Ramadan ceasefire . . . is part of the centre's plan to resolve the Kashmir problem through dialogue

Hindustan Times

They see it as a significant gesture in the ongoing attempts being made by India to arrive at a more permanent solution to the decade-long militancy in Kashmir.

Mr Vajpayee's announcement of an extension in India's unilateral ceasefire was followed soon after by Pakistan saying it would begin a partial pull back of its troops from the Line of Control which divides Indian and Pakistani forces in Kashmir.

'Kashmiris involved'

The Hindustan Times says "the extension of the Ramadan ceasefire by another month is part of the centre's plan to resolve the Kashmir problem through dialogue."

It also says that "implicit in Vajpayee's statement is his government's desire to involve the Kashmiris in general and the state-centric political parties and organisations in the peace process."

The paper reads this extended period to be used possibly to establish a dialogue between Delhi and major groups in the Kashmir Valley including the main separatist alliance - the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC).

Hurriyat 'united'

But the Times of India says that although all the major secessionist groups have welcomed Vajpayee's move, they are united in seeking a more permanent solution to the Kashmir problem.

The ceasefire was extended for a month

The Hindu on the other hand is very positive about Vajpayee's most recent gesture, calling it an indication of "prospects being held out by India for an early resumption of talks with Pakistan if Islamabad makes further progress in reducing cross-border terrorism and creating a conducive atmosphere for talks."

Pakistan press

The Pakistani newspaper The Nation had a report from near the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

It said the distrust and tension between Indian and Pakistani troops, sitting eyeball-to-eyeball, might have receded following the latest developments.

Pakistani papers also highlighted the news

But it quotes a senior military official as saying that despite the ceasefire, they could not trust the Indians because they fire on anything that moves.

Dawn newspaper said Pakistan's partial pull-back was a bold initiative and quoted the military spokesman as pointing out it was not the first withdrawal by Pakistani forces.

The News said the latest move demonstrated Pakistan's strong will to hold a meaningful dialogue and its genuine desire to de-escalate the situation.

The Frontier Post said it was a stunning peace offensive - but made no further comment.

And the Pakistan Observer said the partial withdrawal raised hopes that the peace process could get underway in the coming days.