India's ruling party talks tough on Kashmir

A Kashmiri Muslim was on of those injured when Pakistani artillery shells landed in a village in Kashmir near the Line of Control

AMRITSAR, India -- Members of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are calling for the enforcement of tough measures to finally put a stop to a bloody revolt in disputed Kashmir, party officials said on Friday.

The avowedly nationalist BJP has long advocated tough steps to fight the nearly 12-year-old revolt in Muslim-dominated Kashmir.

The group is expected to adopt a political resolution on terrorism, as well as issue a tough warning to Pakistan over its continuing support to the Kashmir guerrillas, when it holds its two-day national executive meeting in the northern city of Amritsar, which is near the border with Pakistan.

"Terrorism is at the top of the agenda. We're seeking a total elimination of terrorism," BJP President Jana Krishnamurthy told reporters.

In-Depth Kashmir: Where conflict rules

Despite its tough stance on Kashmir, Krishnamurthy said he agrees to a government decision not to strike Pakistan camps at this stage, which India claims are used to train Muslim fighters for Kashmir.

Instead, the party said it would support government efforts to flush out guerrillas through its tough new "pro-active policy."

"Hot pursuit is an option that has been advocated from time to time. We should go after the terrorists here, instead of waiting for them to attack. Seek them out and destroy," Krishnamurthy said.

Increased friction

Protesters demand the U.S. government declare Pakistan a terrorist state because of its backing of militants in Kashmir

The group has also expressed opposition to talks with rival Pakistan as long as it continues to provide material support to the rebels in the Himalayas.

"The world must condemn not only terrorists but states that harbor terrorists," said BJP Vice President Pyara Lal Khandelwal.

Friction between India and Pakistan has been rising along a military control line dividing Kashmir. A war of words has also erupted between leaders of the two countries.

Indian officials said on Thursday the Pakistani army had moved offensive formations closer to the border including along a sensitive stretch of Kashmir -- a charge swiftly denied by Pakistan.

But Islamabad has denied direct involvement in the Kashmir revolt, and says it only gives moral and diplomatic support to the separatists.

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Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has reportedly refused to hold talks with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf when they travel to New York for a U.N. General Assembly session later this month.

"What is the use of these talks at this stage. We have taken every possible initiative in the last few years. Where has it brought us?" asked Krishnamurthy.

The neighboring countries have gone to war over Kashmir twice in the past 54 years, and more than 30,000 people have been killed in the rebellion.

Incidentally, both India and Pakistan support the U.S.-led coalition's military campaign in Afghanistan.