Jehadis threat to Indo-Pak peace process: J&K Governor

Srinagar, Sep 25 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today said the India-Pakistan peace process may get adversely affected if Jehadis got an upper hand the Islamabad.

''Jehadis are no doubt vocal but do not appear to dominate the Pakistani majority who like Indians are forward looking and peace loving,'' the General said in an interactive session with European Union delegation at Raj Bhavan.

During the 2-hour exchange of views, the issues which came under discussion were Indo-Pak relations, evolution of fundamentalism in the neighbouring country during the rule of General Zia-ul-Haq, Indo-Pak peace process, special status to Jammu and Kashmir in Indian constitution and the prevailing security scenario in the Valley.

The delegation led by Mr Luis Filipe Castro Mendes, the Ambassador of Portugal represented the current EU presidency, which included the Charge-de-Affairs of Slovenia, Miklavz Borstnik, Charge-de-Affairs of the European Commission delegation, Alexander Spachis, First Secretary of Portuguese Embassy, Jose Manuel Castro Santiago and Political Counsellor of French Embassy, Mr Bruce Bourdon.

General Sinha said the Kargil war proved to be a turning point when the world appreciated the Indian point of view over terrorism.

For the first time Pakistan stood isolated internationally for its incursion in the Himalayan region, he said and added, the Indian position on Kashmir stands overwhelmingly endorsed by the European Union Parliament's approval of the report of Baroness Ema Nicholson.

He said Pakistan president General Musharraf had been trying to enlightened moderation unlike General Zia-ul-Haq who tried to promote fundamentalist outlook in the Pakistani Army and the civil society.

Pakistanis had not been fundamentalists even though they might have had an anti-India bias in the wake of the Partition holocaust, which left millions killed and uprooted, he added.

UNI