HC Deb 06 July 1999 vol 334 c466W
Mr. Fabian Hamilton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he is doing to assist the peoples of Kashmir to determine their own future. [89892]

Mr. Hoon

We believe that any solution, if it is to be permanent and acceptable, must involve, and reflect the views of, the people of Kashmir. Our role, and that of others who wish India and Pakistan well, is to encourage both countries to resolve, through dialogue, the issues between them.

Mr. Fabian Hamilton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning whether the current shelling in and around Kashmir was caused by infiltrators. [89891]

Mr. Hoon

We are clear that the current fighting, including shelling by both sides, in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir was instigated by the infiltration of a large number of armed personnel across the Line of Control.