Resolution of the Kashmir Issue

In its editorial daily, Srinagar Times (27 December 2003) commented on the attack on Pakistan President, General Pervez Musharraf. "The attack on Musharraf has come only a day after his announcement that he will quit as the Chief of Army staff by December 2004. A week later, the SAARC summit is beginning in Islamabad. Tens of thousands of people in the sub-continent are eyeing this summit, hoping for a dialogue between Musharraf and Vajpayee at the occasion." It continued "The two countries have agreed to resolve the bilateral issues peacefully. This development frustrates those who do not want to see peace returning to the sub-continent. The support extended by Musharraf to US in its war against Taliban and Al-Qaida has earned him severe resentment by the Taliban supporters in Pakistan. To them (Taliban), Musharraf and George Bush are two sides of the same coin. At the same time, other unscrupulous elements do not want India and Pakistan to come closer. Hence, there are two forces against Musharraf. The two attacks on Musharraf’s life within a span of two weeks seem to be an act of vengeance by such forces." Summing up, it read "Attack on Musharraf is never a good gesture; understandably, India strongly condemned the attack on Pakistan President."

In its lead news, the bilingual Alsafa (28 December 2003) reported, "Al -Qeada involved in an attempt on Musharraf’s life.." The two suiciders involved in an attack on Musharraf’s life have been identified; they belong to Al-Qaida. This disclosure prompted the government of Pakistan to investigate 25 activists belonging to Lashker–e-Toiba, Jaish–e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, Jameet-ul-Mujahideen and Al-badr, besides many religious groups." It continued, "The Information Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that the Al-Qiada activists were responsible for the recent attack on President Musharraf’s life. The skull of one of the suicide bomber has been traced to be of Arabic origin. The suicide bombers were seen reciting Quran before carrying an attack on the President. Both are suspected to be Al-Qaida activists, added the Minister".

SAARC summit and the Kashmir issue

In its lead news, Aftab (21 December 2003) reported, "SAARC summit to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan eager to raise the Kashmir issue, involve other countries besides India." "The forthcoming SAARC summit in Islamabad is being seen as an event of extraordinary importance. According to few sections of people, this is likely to bring about some radical political change. Pakistani media observes that Pakistan will try to take up Kashmir issue at every level in the summit and talks with Indian Prime Minister, Vajpayee would be held to this extent.. The dignitaries from other countries participating in SAARC would also be involved in the talks." It continued, "Though it is decided among the SAARC countries that during the summit no bilateral issue would be taken up for discussion but it is believed that Pakistan will stress upon all the SAARC countries to play their role in resolving the Kashmir issue for the lasting peace in the sub-continent."

Kashmiris are eager to see the Kashmir issue raised at the SAARC summit.. Both factions of the Hurriyat Conference hope that the summit will give a boost to Indo-Pak relations The Aftab (31December 2003) reported, "Kashmiris are hopeful that the SAARC summit will go a long way in normalizing relations between two countries and on the occasion both will reach a consensus on the Kashmir issue. Both factions of the Hurriyat are optimistic that summit will help to build a conducive atmosphere facilitating a dialogue between the two. The organization is eagerly waiting for the outcome of the summit and the conglomerate (Hurriyat) has started discussions in this regard." It further stated, "Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee will reach Islamabad on December 30th to participate in the summit beginning on January 4th. Obviously, Vajpayee would be held in a great esteem in Pakistan. Referring to Pakistan daily ‘Jung’ report said that Indian embassy in Islamabad will take care of security arrangements.”

Resolution in Kashmir assembly

The division of Jammu and Kashmir is likely to be disastrous. The Alsafa reported, (16 December 2003). "The division of the Jammu and Kashmir state is intolerable. There is need to bring about unity in the state. In this regard, a resolution was passed in the State Assembly aimed at bringing about unity among the different parts of the state. The resolution strongly criticized the elements encouraging division of the state." It continued, "Mohd Yousuf Tarigami who passed the resolution said that in view of the prevailing circumstances such resolution is very important. Since many years, there have been talks of division of the state. Vishwa Hindu Parished (VHP) and Rashtriaya Sewak had shown a tremendous interest in division of the Jammu and Kashmir and Sayeed Ali Shah Geelani has also appreciated this.”