"It is already late, but still it is better than never that the world is gradually rising up and applying itself to get Kashmiris out from the dark prospects of total elimination at the hands of occupation forces. If peace is to be given a lasting chance in the sub continent then all peace loving nations shall have to do more than mere words to bring back dignity to our land. Peace should not be a means to continue the present impasse; it must be painstakingly worked out in with the political aspirations of Kashmiri People. The sooner this is realized, the better for all of us."

JAMMU AND KASHMIR AT A GLANCE

LOCATION: Situated in the Heart of Asia, with historical links to both south and central Asia, surrounded by Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and India.

STATUS

Historically independent, except in the anarchical conditions of late 18th and the first of 19th century and when incorporated in the vast empires setup by the Maury as (3rd century BC), the Mughals (16th to 18th centuries) and the British (mid-19th to 20th centuries). All these empires included not only present day India and Pakistan but other countries as well. Under the British, Kashmir had internal autonomy.

AREA:   84471 Square Miles

POPULATION:  12 million (estimate) including 1.5 million refugees in Pakistan and 0.4 expatriates

PRESENT STATUS:    In Dispute since 1947, 63% of the area under Indian illegal occupation.

CAUSE OF DISPUTE: India's claim that Kashmir is Indian territory. the claim is rejected by the people of Kashmir, challenged by Pakistan. It has never been accepted by the United Nations, never legally validated.

SOLUTION:  Demilitarization of Kashmir (through withdrawal of all outside forces) followed immediately by a plebiscite under UN auspices to determine the future status of Kashmir.