960403

Britain wants

fair, open polls

in Kashmir

LONDON: Britain has made plain to the Indian Government that it favours the greatest possible openness in the conduct of of the election process in Jammu and Kashmir.

This was stated by Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth office, Jeremy Hanley in response to a Parliamentary Question from Tom Cox in the Commons on March 29.

Tom Cox who is chairman of the British Pakistan Parliamentary group had asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the Indian government to permit observer groups to witness election in Kashmir.

Hanley in reply to another question from the same member said the Indian government is aware of Britain's wish to see the development of a genuine political process in Kashmir.

The Indian Election Commission has announced that Parliamentary elections are to be held in Jammu and Kashmir on May 7,23 and 30.

Tom Cox had asked the Foreign Secretary what discussions he has had with the Indian government regarding elections in the Indian-occupied Kashmir and if he will make a statement.-APP