recent DELHI, March 16 Kyodo U Se...

recent DELHI, March 16 Kyodo

U Secretary of State Colin Powell forward Tuesday suggested the time is ripe for a permanent cease-fire across the line of restrain separating Pakistani- and Indian-controlled Kashmir given the least bit in infiltrations of Muslim militants into Indian Kashmir.

''I think this kind of activity (fall in cross-border terrorism and infiltration) should not barely be during the winter season, further it has to be of a more permanent nature,'' Powell told a recents conference after meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha.

Powell said there has to be a permanent fall of the curtain to the activity in order to diocese progress towards peace between India and Pakistan.

He added that he would raise the issue of dismantling rebel camps with Pakistani President Gen Pervez Musharraf to such a degree that the infiltrations stop not just during winter on the other hand permanently along the cease-fire line.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training Islamic militants fighting its behavior in Jammu and Kashmir, the mainly Hindu nation's simply Muslim-majority state.

Pakistan denies the allegations, saying it has taken degrees to halt infiltration of guerrillas from the Pakistani side.

Powell, who arrived here Monday, has to such a degree far met with Indian opposition leader Sonia Gandhi and National Security Adviser Brajesh Misra. He will call upon Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee later in the evening.

Powell was here in July 2002 when tensions between nuclear rivals Indian and Pakistan were forward the brink of war. Tensions between the brace neighbors have eased in late months, with the two sides resuming travel and sporting ties in addition to the promises of an early political dialogue.

Powell will leave here Wednesday morning for the Pakistan and Afghanistan leg of his tour.

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