PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice was meeting Foreign Office minister Geoff Hoon today to discuss the worsening situation in Kashmir.

Speaking before the meeting, the MP said the growing conflict in Kashmir had been pushed off the front pages because of the Balkans war.

He said: "The fact is Kashmir is and always will be a powder keg until this festering conflict is settled once and for all.

"Geoff Hoon has been appointed to the South Asia portfolio following the tragic death of my good friend Derek Fatchett who had the rare quality of being able to bring people together.

"A lot of people will be looking to Geoff to help bridge the divide over the future of Kashmir."

In recent days tension has heightened as Indian warplanes have been shot down after reportedly straying into Pakistan air space. Last week Mr Prentice urged Pakistan and India to pull back from war over the future of the disputed territory.

Meanwhile Pendle council's Kashmir working group has expressed its sadness over developments in Kashmir and called on all sides to come together ensure a peaceful outcome.

The group is sending a letter to Foreign Secretary Robin Cook asking him to take all necessary action to prevent further clashes in Kashmir.

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