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Islamic extremists are biggest threat in J&K: Lone

T V Parasuram in Washington

Former All-Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman Abdul Ghani Lone has ridiculed the "myth" that Kashmiris want their state to merge with Pakistan and said Islamic extremist groups pose the "biggest" danger in Kashmir and are certain to make "serious efforts" to sabotage the Ramadan ceasefire.

"Official myths have been created by both sides [India and Pakistan]... Many Pakistanis, for example, are led to believe that Kashmiris in India want the territory to become part of Pakistan," Lone was quoted by The Washington Post as saying in Pakistan.

The Post said Lone also challenged the wisdom of allowing Islamic extremist groups in Pakistan that control several militant factions to set a religious agenda for the conflict.

"I think the biggest danger now is from the [Islamic] extremists. They will make serious efforts to undermine the ceasefire," he said.

Lone added, "There are also important vested interests in both the Indian and Pakistani establishments who want the [Kashmir] conflict to continue."

Lone had gone to Pakistan for the marriage of his son Sajjad with Asma, daughter of Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Amanullah Khan, in Muzaffarabad on November 19.

Lone told The Post that an "eye-opening" aspect of his visit to Pakistan was his interaction with Kashmiris on that side of the Line of Control.

He said he found many Kashmiris [in PoK] to be less happy with the Pakistani government than he had anticipated.

He said he hoped his visit had helped to counter the "mutual suspicions and misconceptions" that Indians, Pakistanis and Kashmiris in both countries have about one another.

"India should now see that Kashmiri leaders are not sold to any particular idea. In Pakistan they can see that we just don't criticise India, we have the courage to give a balanced version. Even if it hurts Pakistani sentiments, I think it has helped on both sides."

PTI

EARLIER REPORTS:
Big guns gather for Lone son's wedding
Marriage provides platform for politics
Indian envoy attends Lone-Khan wedding reception
No combat operation in J&K during Ramzan

The Ramadan Ceasefire: The Complete coverage

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