A Belgian think-tank o Friday described as too vague Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's proposals of joint management, self-rule and demilitarisation in Jammu and Kashmir and said it was adding to the confusion.

"The latest proposals of President Musharraf regarding joint management, self-rule and demilitarisation are too vague and adding to the confusion," Belgian Association for Solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir, which visited the state recently, said.

Criticising Musharraf of not being consistent with his policy on Kashmir, the think-tank said the Pakistani President gives diametrically opposite declarations depending on the audience.

"Musharraf is not consistent in his declarations. Depending on the audience he gives diametrically opposed declarations. The process is passing through a confusing stage," Paul Beersmans, president of the organisation, which stayed in the state for three weeks, said in a statement.

"There are too many proposals, there are contradictions. The declarations and proposals of Musharraf are not at all binding as they don't have a democratic backing," he said.

The think-tank said Musharraf has not shown sincerity to resolve the issue.

"There is scepticism regarding the sincerity of Musharraf. He is only bringing slogans but his policy doesn't change. He doesn't take action against terrorists," Beersmans said.

The think-tank held the view that de-militantisation of Jammu and Kashmir is a must before finding a solution to the issue.

"First there must be de-militantisation. De-militantisation can be followed by de-militarisation. It is felt Pakistan President Pervez Musharrf is befooling India," he said.

Beersmans said he toured Jammu and Kashmir from January 24 to February 16, 2007 in order to find out the latest developments regarding the Kashmir issue.

He said the Kashmiris appreciated the steps taken by India and Pakistan to enhance people-to-people contacts, especially the decision to open crossing points on the Line of Control.

Beersmans observed that mainstream political parties in the state are divided on how to resolve the issue.

"In Jammu and Kashmir, the mainstream parties are divided regarding the way to go; National Conference wants autonomy, PDP wants self-rule, demilitarisation and revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Congress wants violence to stop and the peace process to continue," he said.

The general feeling, Beersmans said, is that militancy is on the decline.

"There is no local support anymore. Militancy is perceived to be contained but vested interests are there to keep the pot boiling at an acceptable level. The Kashmiris are against the interference of Pakistan and the foreign terrorists because they are destroying their culture.

"The Kashmiris realise that as long as Pakistan supports terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, there can't be peace and grant of more autonomy will not change this reality. Moderates requested the armed groups to stop violence to give peace a chance. Salahuddin, the supreme commander of the militants operating from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir rejected this and will continue the armed struggle," he said.