Use Emma Nicholson report to resolve Kashmir dispute in a fresh way: JKLF leader

Senior leader of the London-based Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Dr. Shabir Choudhry, has reiterated that the report on Kashmir prepared by Baroness Emma NIcholson and the European Union should be used as the base to freshly discuss the dispute and its solution.

Geneva, Sept.25 : Senior leader of the London-based Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Dr. Shabir Choudhry, has reiterated that the report on Kashmir prepared by Baroness Emma NIcholson and the European Union should be used as the base to freshly discuss the dispute and its solution.

Delivering a speech at a seminar here, Dr. Choudhry said that while the Nicholson Report was by no means perfect, it should be used "to consider the Kashmir dispute in the context of the new and much changed world, as opposed to discussing it in the context of the world that existed when UNCIP resolutions were passed in late 1940s."

"It is true that the EU is not the UN. Both institutions have different mandate and different roles. But with time, the role and influence of the EU is increasing. The EU has its own experience, strength and influence, and can help us to promote culture of peace, dialogue and mutual co-existence," Dr. Choudhry said.

He also said that if the concerned parties to the dispute are sincere about resolving the Kashmir dispute, they should not shy away from seeking outside help and advice, be it direct or indirect.

Calling on Pakistan, India and Kashmiri leaders to let their actions speak louder than their words, the JKLF leader said that neither of them have so far demonstrated their desire to allow the region the right to determine its future without any restriction.

Transforming the dispute into a religious one or, into an issue of economic development was not good enough.

What was needed was investment of the all-round kind -- political, economic, social etc, he said.

"So, it is not complicated like egg and chicken situation - which came first, we know there has to be political stability first before we can embark on economic development. I am sure if Kashmiris are masters of their own destiny, and if Kashmiri economists plan with a Kashmiri interest in mind, they can within a few years make Kashmir economically stable," Dr. Choudhry said.

"If we are to make any progress, then we, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, have to think as Kashmiris, and protect and promote a Kashmiri interest. We should not become foot soldiers of India and Pakistan. Let India and Pakistan defend their national interests and let us defend our interest, our identity and our future," he concluded.

ANI