Assassination of Kashmiri Political Leader Abdul Ghani Lone
Secretary Colin L. Powell
Washington, DC
May 21, 2002
I was saddened and angered to hear this morning that Abdul Ghani Lone, a Kashmiri political leader, wasassassinated today in Srinagar. We have not seen any claim of responsibility for the murder, but this is adirect attack on hopes for a fair political process in Kashmir.
His killers are clearly among those who oppose a peaceful political resolution there. This was a terroristact designed to undermine the hopes of the Kashmiri people for free and fair elections without violence.
The United States condemns this crime in the strongest possible way. Mr. Lone sought to achieve his goalsthrough peaceful, democratic means and courageously stood up to extremists. We extend our condolences to Mr.Lone’s family and to the Kashmiri people.
