Separatist for China's help if Kashmir resolution at US behest

Srinagar, Jan 5 (UNI) A separatist leader today warned of intensifying ''freedom struggle'' and seeking help from several countries, including China, if any solution to the vexed Kashmir issue was reached at the behest of the United States.

''Let us make it clear that any settlement of the Kashmir issue at the behest of the US will compel the people of Jammu and Kashmir to intensify their freedom struggle, and also call for political and material help from various countries among which China would be the prominent one,'' People's Political Party (PPP) chairman Hilal Ahmad War told a news conference here.

He said such a course and help would be fully in conformity with a chapter of the United Nation charter pertaining to struggle of people for seeking the right to self-determination.

Mr War said the Kashmir issue was in essence a politico-human problem based on the ''universally-recognised doctrine and right to self-determination'' of the people of a defined land.

''Conflicting interests and strategies of 'Great Powers' besides unjust Kashmir policies of successive governments in New Delhi as well as historical blunders of political leadership of Pakistan hardened the complicacies of the problem,'' he alleged.

Mr War said his party, on August 10, 1996, had come out with a viable, just and equitable three-point formula (roadmap) for settling the long-festering issue to the satisfaction India, Pakistan and the people of both parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

''This roadmap is comprehensive covering all possible options and closes the doors for any other idea or concept pertaining to the resolution of the Kashmir issue,'' he added.

UNI