Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the Members of Congress the increasing tension in the Kashmir region, between India and Pakistan . Several weeks ago several hundred armed Afghani and Mujahideen infiltrators, backed by Pakistan, crossed the line-of-control (LOC) into the Kargila and Drass regions of Kashmir, India .

Mr. Speaker, this invasion runs counter to the Lahore Declaration, which is aimed at developing peaceful relations and cooperation between India and Pakistan. The agreement, signed last February, reiterates the commitment of both India and Pakistan to solve their differences and oppose terrorism in the region.

It is particularly disturbing to me that the government of Pakistan appears to have provided the armed infiltrators into Kashmir with support, both military and financial. This is deeply troubling in view of efforts to secure peace in the region.

This aggression against India should be undone so that stability can be restored. The infiltrators should immediately withdraw and Pakistan should respect the LoC and reaffirm and adhere to the commitments made in the Lahore Declaration. I encourage both countries to pursue a diplomatic solution and refrain from action which might escalate the fighting even more. I call on the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to fully support an immediate withdrawal from India. India and Pakistan should be taking positive steps toward resolving the crisis in Kashmir, and resume substantive bilateral talks.