Cautious welcome for Kashmir ceasefire

Abdul Basit condemned the ceasefire as a ploy

The main militant grouping in Indian-administered Kashmir, the Hizbul Mujahideen, has cautiously welcomed the extension of the Indian Government's ceasefire in the region, but said it would watch developments before deciding to co-operate in the peace process.

Dar (L), cautious welcome

On Wednesday India extended its unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir, while Pakistan announced that it had begun a partial troop withdrawal from the Line of Control, which divides the region between the two countries.

The Chief Commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, Abdul Majid Dar, said the two countries' actions were indicative of a strong realisation in both the countries that Kashmir was a serious problem, which needed a permanent solution.

Most militant groups have rejected the ceasefire as a ploy to trick public opinion.

But Mr Dar said that while the present moves were not yet sufficient, if there were signs that the two countries were seeking a final solution in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, the people would co-operate.

Ceasefire condemned

In contrast to Mr Dar's comments, a man presenting himself as the district commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, Abdul Basi, condemned the ceasefire.

He said Indian security forces had killed more than 60 people since India's ceasefire was announced at the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in November.

Mr Basi appeared, armed and accompanied by five other militants, in front of a mosque in Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Inside the mosque, leaders of the main separatist alliance, the All Party Hurriyat Conference, were assuring tens of thousands of people there would be no compromise on the basic cause of freedom during proposed talks with the Indian Government.

The crowds were chanting pro-freedom and pro-Pakistan slogans.

The Hurriyat has also said it will conduct talks with Muslim militants and Pakistani officials in January.

Doubts

On Thursday, Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, responded critically to India's moves, calling them insufficient.

Gen Musharraf: India must talk to Pakistan

Speaking to a group of newspaper editors on Thursday, General Musharraf said: "India is not sincere, as it is not talking of the settlement of the Kashmir [issue]. Rather it wants to end tension," Pakistani radio and news agencies reported.

He said that direct talks were the only way to resolve the dispute.

Meanwhile the Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes has cast doubt on Pakistan's declared troop withdrawal.

"We can't believe that it is possible for any army to start pulling out in such a short time," Mr Fernades said, citing the logistical difficulties of moving troops out of the mountainous province.

Two wars, thousands dead

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir since Partition in 1947.

Kashmir events

19 Nov - Vajpayee calls ceasefire

22 Nov - Suspected militants kill five Hindu and Sikh truck drivers

2 Dec - Pakistan calls "maximum restraint" policy

3 Dec - India outlines conditions for talks with Pakistan

20 Dec - India extends ceasefire

20 Dec - Pakistan announces troop withdrawal

Each side lays claim to the entire territory, while some local groups are fighting for independence from both.

More than 34,000 people have been killed in the disputed province since separatist uprisings began in 1989.

India and Pakistan have not held direct talks over the province since a fierce border conflict in early 1999.