HON. BILL MCCOLLUM (R-FL) in the House of Representatives Extension of Remarks - 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 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.