THE future of Kashmir should be decided by the people of that country through a fair and open referendum, says Pendle councillor Mohammed Iqbal.

He is asking for support from fellow councillors to call on the international community to put pressure on the government of India to honour United Nations resolutions and to allow the people of the divided country of Kashmir to decide their own future.

The motion also expresses dismay at the position taken by the Indian government in refusing bi-lateral negotiations with the government of Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.

Coun Iqbal is also asking Pendle Council to call on the Prime Minister of India to personally intervene to stop what he described as the 'mass violation of human rights by Indian troops in occupied Kashmir' and to reciprocate the offer by President Musharaf, president of Pakistan, to open negotiations with India to resolve the Kashmir issue.

He also asks the council to praise the Pakistan president in the gesture of goodwill he showed recently to his Indian counterpart at a conference in Katmandu.

Coun Iqbal's resolution concludes: "The efforts of the British government are welcomed by all in resolving this issue."

The issue will be discussed by the full meeting of Pendle Council on Thursday.