Jammu, March 28
Governor S. K. Sinha today asked Pakistan to introduce its “self-rule” proposal in the areas of Kashmir that were under its occupation.

The Governor, who was speaking at a two-day national seminar on building peace in Jammu and Kashmir at Jammu University, pointed out that Pakistan had choked democracy in the PoK and the northern area (known as the only surviving colony in the world) but was telling India to introduce self-rule in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr N. N. Vohra, Centre’s interlocutor on Kashmir, Mr S. K. Lamba, Mr G. Parthasarthy, both former diplomats to Pakistan, Mr Wajahat Habibullah and several other experts on Kashmir affairs are participating in the seminar.

The governor said there was no need of introducing any such idea here as J&K enjoyed more self-rule and democracy than any other state of the country.

He said a lot was being talked about self-rule and “demilitarisation”, but these were not being defined clearly. "What one gathers is that self-rule is synonymous with democracy, which exists on this side of the LoC," he said.

By asking for demilitarisation, Pakistan was interfering in the internal affairs of India. Demilitarisation did not make sense when Pakistan- sponsored proxy war was still on, he said.

Although there was need for peace, one had to be cautious about any change in policy. He said military attempts by Pakistan to grab Kashmir had failed and the latest idea seemed to be another attempt at acquiring Kashmir through diplomatic and political means.

He warned that the aim of Pakistan was the same, only the method kept changing. However, both India and Pakistan had started showing flexibility on the Kashmir issue. It had also given up describing cross-border terrorists as freedom fighters.

He said US pressure on Pakistan following the 9/11 attack had created a window of opportunity. Sardar Abdul Qayum Khan, former Prime Minister of PoK, had also denounced terrorism. This was an opportunity to turn the tables on terrorism, he said.

He said while Pakistan was using airpower and artillery to contain dissent in Baluchistan and Waziristan, the Indian army had never used airpower or artillery even against the terrorists. Action was always taken against those officers who had been accused of rights violations.

Inaugurating the seminar, Prof Amitabh Mattoo, vice-chancellor, said the roadmap for the restoration of peace had been sketched by the prime minister. He said a stable foundation for peace could not be built unless violence ended.

He said grievances of the people of J&K, PoK, Gilgit and Baltistan should be heard before a blueprint for peace was prepared.