[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 82 (Thursday, June 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1230-E1231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          CONFLICT IN KASHMIR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL McCOLLUM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 1999

  Mr. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because of concerns for the 
increased tensions in the Kashmir region of India. From the accounts 
that I've seen, it is my understanding that the current fighting near 
Kargil, Kashmir, is the most dangerous escalation since the Indo-Pak 
war of 1971. The current crisis apparently began when a heavily armed, 
and considerably large force comprised of Islamic terrorists and 
Pakistani regulars, including some of Osama bin Laden's followers, 
crossed the ``Line of Control'' into India, occupying Indian military 
positions that had been temporarily abandoned for the winter season. 
Indian security forces took prompt action to remove these infiltrators 
and defend Indian territory. Units of the Pakistani Army quickly joined 
the fighting, providing the infiltrators with heavy artillery fire as 
well as firing at Indian aircraft and helicopters striking the 
infiltrators' positions.
  There should be no doubt that this operation could not have taken 
place without the direct support from, and authorization of, the 
highest levels of government in Islamabad. The

[[Page E1231]]

Islamist terrorists involved, including supporters of bin Laden's, have 
received specialized training and equipment in camps in Pakistan since 
the Fall of 1998. The infiltrating force itself--a composite grouping 
of Pakistani regulars and Islamist terrorists (Kashmiris, Pakistanis, 
Afghans and Arabs) is reportedly operating in close cooperation with 
the local units of the Pakistani Armed Forces. There should be little 
doubt that these forces conduct a war-by-proxy on behalf of Pakistan.
  No less troubling are the recent claims by Pakistani officials that 
the fighting in the Kargil area is actually taking place on Pakistani 
territory. The essence of this claim is challenging the validity of the 
Line of Control (LOC) as defined by the Simla Accords of 1972. One 
cannot hope to reduce tension and build mutual trust--commonly 
regulated in international treaties and agreements--when one of the 
protagonists unilaterally challenges the validity of well established 
bilateral and international agreements.
  Thus, these recent developments are particularly troubling given the 
agreement between India and Pakistan earlier this year, the Lahore 
Declaration, that sought to promote regional stability and security, 
and most importantly peace, in South Asia. However, the actions of 
these terrorists are precisely what those concerned about India and the 
security of the region have raised as being a potential problem.
  It is certainly in the United States' best interest to ensure 
stability in this region. India is important to our national security 
in an increasingly dangerous area. India and the United States share 
common bonds in fighting terrorism. We also share growing concerns with 
China, too. India is justified in taking action to remove these 
terrorists from within its borders. If these infiltrators are allowed 
in with no action to expel them, it will only embolden others to take 
their place.
  I am hopeful that discussions scheduled for this weekend between 
India's Prime Minister Vajpayee and Pakistan's Prime Minister Sharif 
will resolve this issue. In any event, the U.S. should support the 
peaceful resolution to this conflict.

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