SRINAGAR, 29 January 2003 — A Kashmiri rebel group accused Iranian President Muhammad Khatami yesterday of hurting the sentiments of Kashmiri Muslims by participating in the Republic Day parade, a display of military strength.
Khatami was the chief guest at Sunday’s parade in New Delhi where India rolled out its missiles, including the 800 km nuclear-capable "Agni," which can reach most parts of Pakistan.
"Muhammad Khatami participated in an exhibition of Indian arms which are meant for the destruction of Muslims," the Jamiat-ul-Mujahedeen said in a statement.
"This has hurt Iranian dignity and the sentiments of Kashmiri Muslims." The Jamiat is fighting for Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan. "Kashmiri Muslims consider Iran as a friend but Khatami’s presence in the arms exhibition reflects his dubious policy.
He (Khatami) is well aware of New Delhi’s anti-Muslim policies but still he chose to sit with them," the statement said.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said yesterday Iran says favors favors two-way talks between India and Pakistan to resolve their longstanding dispute over Kashmir. "Our position is that this is an issue between Pakistan and India and has to be resolved through direct talks between the two sides," Kharrazi told reporters on the last day of a four-day visit by Khatami to India.
"Of course, the concerns of the Kashmiris have to be taken into consideration." Kharrazi was part of a delegation accompanying Khatami. Iran’s position on Kashmir is a key concern for both India and Pakistan. Iran has enjoyed good relations with India for decades but its views on India’s only Muslim-majority province, Jammu and Kashmir, are sensitive. Pakistan favors a UN-mandated plebiscite to decide the future of Kashmir, two-thirds of which is ruled by India and the remainder by Pakistan.
"It is true that there are resolutions in the UN but basically the issue has to be resolved through talks between India and Pakistan," Kharrazi said. India says it cannot resume peace talks with Pakistan until it stops aiding "cross-border terrorism". Islamabad denies Indian charges that it arms and trains militants in its side of Kashmir and sends them into the Indian side to foment trouble.
Meanwhile, suspected militants yesterday shot dead a political party worker and his bodyguard in Kashmir, police said.
A police spokesman said Farooq Ahmad, a National Conference party official and his police guard were killed by militants in the Chatroo area of the southern Doda district after being abducted on Monday. (Agencies)
