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Kashmiris prefer India over Pakistan: Poll

H S Rao in London

A vast majority of Kashmiris oppose India and Pakistan going to war over Kashmir.

A poll conducted by an independent market research group in Jammu and Kashmir reveals that a vast majority of Kashmiris believe that the correct way to bring peace to the region is by holding free and fair elections and encouraging economic development.

The survey conducted by MORI International says: "Overall, two thirds of people in Jammu and Kashmir take the view that Pakistan's involvement in the region for the last ten years has been bad [for the region]. Only 15 per cent believe it has been good for the region, while 18 per cent say it has made no real difference."

On the issue of citizenship, 61 per cent said they felt they would be better off politically and economically as an Indian citizen. Only 6 per cent said they would perfer to be Pakistani citizens, and 33 per cent said they did not know.

Eighty per cent of the people interviewed said that allowing displaced Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homes would help bring peace to the Valley.

An overwhelming 92 per cent oppose the state of Kashmir being divided on the basis of religion or ethnicity. "There is also overwhelming support - 91 per cent -- for a forum in which Kashmiris from both sides of the Line of Control can discuss common interests," the survey said.

PTI

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