A powerful American lawmaker has appealed to US President Barack Obama to “engage” Pakistan and India to resolve the Kashmir issue, arguing it would bring long—term peace in the region.
“In order to secure a long—term regional peace, the President must engage India and Pakistan to seek a final political agreement on Kashmir,” Congressman John Conyers, said in his speech in the House of Representatives.
The Obama administration has in the past few days repeatedly asserted that it does not intend to play any mediatory role on the Kashmir issue.
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“Only when Pakistan feels secure in the south, will the Pakistani army be able to focus its efforts on defeating the Taliban who dwell along the Afghan border,” Mr. Conyers, Chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, argued.
“One of the least discussed aspects of this conflict is the role India must play in promoting regional peace,” he said.
He said, for years the Pakistani military and intelligence services have been hesitant to crack down on Taliban militants operating in the tribal regions because they fear the establishment of an Afghan government that would be susceptible to Indian influence.
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