[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                            PEACE IN KASHMIR

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, this week, the Washington Post carried an 
article detailing the terrible violence and suffering in Kashmir. This 
is not a new crisis. Over the past 5 years an estimated 15,000 to 
20,000 people, many of them civilians, have been killed.
  Sadly, over the past 2 months, the level of violence has increased. 
Ten to twenty people are being killed each day. In one 24-hour period 
last month, 56 people were killed. Likewise, torture, rape, and other 
human rights abuses are also on the rise. India now has half a million 
troops in Kashmir.
  With so much bloodshed and violence, it is understandable that some 
people doubt that this conflict can be peacefully solved. However, it 
must be resolved because it has the potential to become a flashpoint 
for war, possibly nuclear, between India and Pakistan. The question 
then becomes where to start resolving the conflict?
  A good first step would be a reduction in the daily carnage and 
violence. The Indian government must allow international human rights 
groups free access to Kashmir. Only this way will we have a clear and 
accurate picture of the human rights violations being committed by both 
sides of this conflict. Only this way will security forces and 
militants be held accountable for their actions.
  The Indian government must allow the International Red Cross to visit 
prisons in order to provide medical care and hopefully reduce incidents 
of torture. Furthermore, it is essential that political prisoners are 
released who can provide leadership and moderation to end this crisis.
  Finally, Kashmir must become a priority in the international 
community. Kashmir has not entered our everyday conscience because, for 
the most part, the electronic media has been kept out of Kashmir. I 
believe that if we were to see Kashmir on the nightly news, the resolve 
for a solution would be strengthened.
  The path to peace is through negotiations--negotiations that include 
all parties involved, India, Pakistan, and the people of Kashmir. If we 
are to achieve a just and lasting peace, the people of Kashmir must 
have a voice in determining their own destiny.

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