TONGE: "KASHMIR MORE DANGEROUS THAN IRAQ"

12.00.00am GMT Mon 3rd Feb 2003

Local MP, Dr Jenny Tonge, the Liberal Democrat shadow International Development Secretary was in Kashmir last week at the invitation of the Pakistani Government.

Seen here looking out from the Line of Control on the Pakistan side of the border, she was being shown India's posts across the valley by Brigadier Iftikhar of the Pakistan Army.

The MP said: "The situation in Kashmir between the two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan, is much more dangerous than the present Iraqi crisis."

"There are daily exchanges of fire and there are no talks going on between the two countries. There is absolute impasse.

India accuses Pakistan of aiding terrorism, Pakistan accuses India of shelling civilians and villages and committing atrocities against men, women and children all over Jammu Kashmir – many cases documented by Amnesty International.

"I hope the meetings and contacts we can have since our return will put pressure on the international community to mediate in this dangerous situation."