This article was first published 21 years ago

Simla Accord still relevant: Jamiat chief

Share:

Last updated on: July 17, 2003 17:52 IST

In a significant statement, Pakistani religious leader and chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Maulana Fazal-ur Rehman, on Thursday opposed mediation in the Kashmir issue.

"Kashmir is a big issue but both the countries have the Simla Agreement as a guiding principle to solve their disputes bilaterally," Rehman said on his arrival in New Delhi from the Darul Uloom University in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh.

Rehman, who is leading a four-member delegation to India, said there was no room for violence.

"The agreement is acknowledged internationally," he said.

The Pakistani religious leader, who lost the contest for prime ministership by a mere one vote, however, said that the Kashmir issue needed immediate attention.

Asked about India's assertion that Pakistan supported cross-border terrorism, Rehman said, "We are here to create goodwill and leave disputes for government to solve. Let us work towards building peace in the entire region."

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Share: