Kashmir not Viable for Independence

Omar Abdullah: " At the same time, I said that I did not believe that independence for Kashmir was a feasible or a viable option, and I stand by that."

Reporter: "The independence is not a feasible option?"

Omar Abdullah: "I believe you can give Kashmir independence but not freedom under the circumstances that prevail within the subcontinent with India, Pakistan and China . Even if India and Pakistan were somehow to decide to give the state independence, it would never really be free. "

Omar is an influential politician in the troubled Kashmir valley and many (in India and Pakistan) listens to the man and his family. He says that President Musharraf in Pakistan was Kashmir's last chance at fixing the issue. Now since Musharraf is going to be kicked out, Kashmir will never be solved - and thus the reason why he believes independence for Kashmir is not possible.

Rather, he wants India's Governor's (state of emergency due to riots and militants from Pakistan) rule be lifted from Kashmir and fresh elections be taken in Jammu and Kashmir. Thus granting Kashmiri people a bit more autonomy. He also wants Pakistan to release their grip on Northern kashmiri territories and to stop China's influence in the region.