[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     STATEMENT ON KASHMIR VIOLENCE

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                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my outrage at the 
hideous and deplorable terrorist attack in the hamlet village Nadimarg 
south of Srinagar, in the Indian State of Jammu-Kashmir. I am deeply 
shocked and saddened by the killings. As we fight against terrorism in 
the Middle East and Afghanistan, we have to remember that the people of 
India deal with terrorism every single day. I condemn this hideous 
crime which represents a most despicable, inhumane act of terror. My 
feelings and thoughts are with the victims and their families.
  The attacks of the gunmen killed nearly half of the people living in 
the village. 24 Hindus known as Pandits lost their lives, including 
women and children. Most sadly, Suraj Kumar was killed only hours after 
celebrating his second birthday. His cousin, who was age 2 as well, was 
also gunned down.
  The attack is an attempt to destroy the conflict resolution endeavors 
in the region, but violence is no path to bring peace to Kashmir. 
Although the identity of the gunmen is unknown at this point, it is 
highly likely that Islamic militants are involved in these actions as 
part of their efforts to expel Hindus from the valley.
  In fact, this is not the first time as Islamic militants have 
conducted similar attacks in the past leading to an exodus of Hindus 
from the region. More than 300,000 Hindus have already been forced to 
leave Kashmir after Islamic militants commenced fighting against Indian 
rule in 1989. While many Hindus remain, increasing terrorist attacks 
have meant that they never truly feel completely secure. In fact, the 
Pandit families who live in Nadimarg had good relations with their 
Muslim neighbors, and their Muslim neighbors felt the same acute loss 
and pain that the Hindu community felt as well on this senseless 
attack.
  Last year, President Musharraf pledged to President Bush that he 
would end Islamic militant incursions in Kashmir and that he would 
terminate cross-border infiltration. Obviously, the Pakistani President 
has not kept his promise. Much more needs to be done to protect all 
communities in Jammu-Kashmir from terrorism and violence. As the snow 
in the Himalayas starts to melt, and travel between the mountain passes 
becomes easier, it is more important than ever that President Musharraf 
redoubles his effort to control Pakistani incursions into India.

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