960422

Kashmir politicians

concerned at plan

to oust AJK govt

LAHORE: Kashmiri politicians have expressed their grave concern over the news that Pakistan Government may invoke clause 56 of the Constitution against Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government before Eid.

Syed Naseebullah Gardezi, chairman Awami Rabita Board, All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in an interview here on Monday said that this clause could be enforced by the Government only when there was any danger to stability of Pakistan or any other type of anti-Pakistan activities in the state.

He said Kashmiris infact were fighting the war of Pakistan as Kashmir was the first defence line of Pakistan against India. He said there was no provision under the Constitution of AJK that elections could be held before the due date. He said sitting assembly of AJK would last till July 29, 1996. He said infact the present Pakistani government wanted to hold election of President of AJK under new assembly.

He said that there was not a single political prisoner in the jails of AJK, nor there was any serious law and order situation. He said the proposed act of Pakistan government to dissolve AJK government before date would cause damage to Pakistani stand on Kashmir. He said "at one hand we were saying that India could not hold elections in held valley because of situation and anti-democratic atmosphere, while on the other we were also indulging in anti-democratic acts in AJK." He said such act would cause damage not only to Pakistan but also to Kashmir movement.

To a question, he said that Kashmiris were opposing elections in the held valley because there was not a single inch of land where anybody could move freely. He said there were over .6 million Indian troops deputed in the valley. He said the statement of American Secretary of State Mrs Raphel was infact representation of Indian design.

Syed Manzoor Hussain Gillani, President All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, Lahore Circle, also expressed similar views and asked the Pakistan government not to take such steps for the cause of democracy.-PPI