'De-tensioning of Kashmir border critical to stability'

Lalit K Jha
Washington, December 9 (PTI) Welcoming India's decision
to reduce troop strength in India's northernmost state of
Jammu and Kashmir, a top US military official has said
"de-tensioning of that border" is absolutely critical to the
long-term stability of the region.

"I really do believe that "de-tensioning" that (Kashmir)
border is absolutely critical to the long term stability in
that region. And it is going to take outreach on the part of
both countries (India and Pakistan)," Admiral Mike Mullen,
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told newsmen here.
"So, I am very positively moved by the steps that the
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Government has taken with
respect to this," Mullen said in response to a question on the
recent decision taken by New Delhi to reduce troops from Jammu
and Kashmir and its implications in the region.
"I think that the adjustments that the Indians have
proposed, and to the degree that has been executed -- I am
just not current on the level of execution right now -- but
certainly executing those changes is a very positive step,"
Mullen said.
"I think, the leadership -– the political leadership, the
diplomatic leadership and military leadership in both
countries and in the region need to continue to encourage and
also to respond," Mullen said.
The top US military official who has made several trips
to Pakistan in the last one year and has been in constant
contact with top Pakistani military leadership on a day-to-day
basis, said resolution of Kashmir dispute is very critical for
the stability in the region. MORE PTI KVK
ANU



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