Member and co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans Frank Pallone, Junior, was honoured with a Padma Bhushan -- India's third highest civilian award -- for his contribution towards establishing closer ties between India and the USA.

An avowed India-supporter, Pallone relentlessly made a case for the withdrawal of economic sanctions -- which were imposed on India by the USA after the nuclear tests in 1998. He also supported India's demand for a permanent seat in the Security Council and has often accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.

In New Delhi to receive the award from President K R Narayanan, the New Jersey Democrat told Onkar Singh that Pakistan must stop aiding and abetting terrorism in Kashmir. He also clarified that the US or any other country had no role in resolving the Kashmir problem. Excerpts:

What is your perception of the Kashmir problem?

If ever we are going to have peace and a better relationship between India and Pakistan, there has to be an opportunity for the two nations to sit down, talk and find a solution to the Kashmir problem.

But if you ask me what do I perceive, I can tell you that I foresee a situation when India and Pakistan will be economic powers in this region. The borders between the two countries will be open, which will enable free trade between the neighbours. But this cannot take place unless or until the issue of Kashmir is resolved once and for all.

Pakistan has been calling for mediation by the United States to solve the Kashmir problem. Do you feel America has a role to play?

Kashmir is an issue between India and Pakistan and it will have to be sorted out between the neighbours. I don't think there is any role for the United States. Nor do I foresee any other country interfering in the Kashmir problem.

Hopefully, in the next few months there will be an opportunity for the leaders of India and Pakistan -- when they feel that the time has come -- to sit down and talk about Kashmir. It is a bilateral problem and must be sorted out by the two countries.

Pakistan has been aiding and abetting terrorism in Kashmir. Do you see any change in Pakistan's outlook towards controlling terrorism at home or across the border?

After September 11, the leadership in Pakistan understands that in the global fight against terrorism they cannot do much unless or until they control terrorism on their own soil. The Pakistani leadership also understands that it cannot aid and abet terrorism in Kashmir or be supportive of terrorism in Kashmir.

But it is still a long way away. Every day, there are incidents of terrorist activity in Kashmir. Hopefully there will be a peaceful situation when the two countries can sit down and sort out the problems between them, including the problem of Jammu & Kashmir.

A majority of Indians feel that since America pampers Pakistan so much it [Pakistan] feels that it can get away with anything. It is because of this that it continues to sponsor terrorism in Kashmir. What do you have to say?

President Bush and the American government have made it clear since September 11 that they are not going to tolerate terrorism, no matter where it is. No, the notion that General Musharraf has given out on occasions that Kashmir could be treated as an exception is not at all acceptable. President Bush has made this clear to him.

Pakistan has encouraged terrorism in Kashmir for so long that I do not think it can be turned around so easily. We are sure that it would be turned around. This is the American position.

India and America are two great democracies. Why can't the two work together?

One of the reasons why I am here in India is that we are launching the India-US forum. We want to create the same kind of group in India as the India Caucus in America. All the members of Parliament who want to play a role in bringing India and US together are welcome to join in. The Indian caucus has managed to improve relations between India and United States in the last 10 years. The India-US forum would have the same role as we have in the United States.

Despite international pressure, Pakistan has refused to hand over 20 wanted terrorists to India. Comment.

I would like to see Pakistan turn over the 20 terrorists to India. In fact, Pakistan needs to do more. I would like to see Pakistan agreeing to extradite Omar Sheikh to the United States for prosecution in the Daniel Pearl case. It is not that Pakistan has not taken any steps. It has made major strides in countering terrorism. But it has not gone far enough. It needs to go further.

What do you mean by going further, could you elaborate?

I mean Pakistan has to stop encouraging terrorism in Kashmir. A lot more needs to be done by the Pakistani president. He [has been] moving in the right direction in the last six months, but he must continue this in other spheres also.

Is it true that the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl forced the US administration to think hard and realise that the realities in Pakistan are different from what was thought to be?

I think the Bush administration does realise that Pakistan is not free from terrorism altogether. Terrorist activities are still taking place both within Pakistan and outside, like Kashmir. Musharraf cannot control everything. We always knew this thing. The feeling is that at least he is trying, but he definitely needs to go further. That is for sure.

A large number of Kashmir Pandits have been forced to live outside their homeland because of attacks against them in the past. Do you think the American administration is aware of their plight?

It is not true that the American administration is totally ignorant of the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits. I have been persistently talking about them and their sufferings.

Unfortunately, the Kashmiri Pandits have been put aside and not many people are aware of the difficulties being faced by them. It is my duty to point out on behalf of the India caucus that the Pandit community needs to be part of any negotiation on Kashmir.

They have a right to return to their homeland and to their properties. They must come back with honour and dignity and in an atmosphere, which ensures their safety and does not endanger their lives. You are right, there needs to be more awareness of their plight and problems in the United States.

Is the American administration still worried that the armies of India and Pakistan are facing one another on the international border?

The United States is concerned about the situation on the India-Pakistan border. But the level of threat has gone down. Tension has subsided substantially. But with terrorism close to the border there is still a possibility that there could be a conflict.

I am hopeful that the US will impress upon both governments that they do not want to see a conflict in this part of the world. Pakistan must stop supporting terrorism.

How does it feel to be honoured with the Padma Bhushan award by the President of India?

It is a great honour! It is nice to know that the people of India and the Government of India appreciate the work done by me as a member of the India caucus.

The Rediff Interviews