Those who see violence as only J&K option can’t be on board: Musharraf

“We cannot take people on board who believe in confrontation and who think that only militancy solves the problem. They cannot be taken on board, they will remain opposed to whatever we do… They will create all obstacles and we have to be steadfast against all that they do,” Musharraf said, as he dwelt on the Indo-Pak peace process and expressed satisfaction over its progress.

The President added that decision-makers on both sides “have realised that military (action) is no longer an option. Pakistan cannot be coerced militarily. The only way forward is resolution of all disputes”.

The General also extended his full support to the moderate Hurriyat faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who recently visited Pakistan and held talks with him. The President admitted the Mirwaiz had addressed a “big gathering” in Srinagar on his return but added that there was no agreement over who should represent the opinion of Kashmiris.

“We have to identify who are the Kashmiris. We obviously think it is the All Parties Hurriyat Conference which is Kashmiris. Is every one agreeing that they (APHC) are the sole voice of Kashmir?” he asked. “These are very sensitive issues. We need to take all Kashmiris on board, all shades of thought, perhaps leaving a fraction which is on the confrontationist course.”

He also said he would take the nation into confidence over the Kashmir solution when the two countries reached a settlement. “I can assure you we will not give a bombshell in the morning that we have signed a deal and here it is. This will not happen,” he said, but added that at the same time, a premature disclosure of details of talks with India would harm the peace process.

“When you reach a decision on resolution of dispute you will certainly be annoying one or the other group,” he pointed out. “But as long as it is in the interest of the vast majority, you have to be bold enough to take decisions to resolve disputes. That is what we are trying,” he said.

The General assured that the Confidence Building Measures between the two countries were progessing well and he was “fairly optimistic” that the two countries would be able to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir. “Our relations have never been this good before in our history, and we ought to be happy about that,” he said. “We are very glad the people of Pakistan and India want peace. This is another good sign.”