Include Pandits in discussions: Pallone tells PM

Democratic US Congressman Frank Pallone appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to include Kashmiri Pandits in "developing the future course of action in Jammu and Kashmir," and expressed disappointment over the government not mentioning the community in its policy statement on the issue.

"Given the urgency of addressing the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, I was disappointed that the new government did not mention the Pandits as part of its policy on Kashmir," Pallone said in a letter to Singh, copies of which were released Wednesday.

"I urge you to include the Pandits in any negotiations with Kashmiri constituents and in developing the future course of action in Jammu and Kashmir," Pallone said, asserting, "Pandits have suffered more than any group as a result of the conflict in Kashmir."

"It is more important now than ever for a public commitment from your administration to include the Pandits in future policy discussions," he added.

By doing so, they will be ensured a much-needed voice in determining the future of their security and return to the valley, Pallone said.

Pallone also expressed his firm belief that "India and the United States have a natural alliance because we are the two largest democracies in the world."

"I would also like to commend your administration for its seamless transition in continuing talks with Pakistan. We are hopeful that negotiations between India and Pakistan lead to progress on a variety of issues," he said.

Meanwhile, in a related development, a US envoy Wednesday visited the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front headquarters and discussed the genesis of Kashmir issue with its chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik.

Mathew Boiz, head of political section in the US embassy in New Delhi spoke with Malik for nearly one-and-a-half hours, official sources said.

JKLF sources said Malik discussed Kashmir issue in length with the visiting envoy. Malik also briefed Boiz of human rights violations allegedly committed by the security forces.

The sources said the present political situation in the subcontinent particularly the ongoing dialogue between India and Pakistan were also discussed.

Malik advocated the involvement of Kashmiris in the dialogue process between Islamabad and New Delhi aimed at finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue, the sources said.