NEW DELHI Vice president and former chief commander of pro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Javed Ahmad Mir has appealed the Islamic Republic of Iran to play a role in the ongoing Kargil conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to IRNA in Srinagar, JKLF leader said that Iran exercises tremendous influence in the community of nations as OIC chairman and an outstanding Muslim country as well as enjoying goodwill among the people of Kashmir on both sides of the divided state.

``Its silence is painful'' he remarked and urged ``it should fulfill its responsibility to find an amicable end to an explosive crisis.'' Relating Kargil crisis with the problem of Kashmir, Javed Ahmad Mir suggested that Iran may offer mediation on the Kashmir issue and if that is not acceptable to India or Pakistan, Iran should put its weight behind Kashmiri people in their struggle.

In his opinion the Kargil crisis has entered a dangerous stage and may result into a full-fledged war between India and Pakistan. ``As a neighbor, Iran cannot remain unaffected'' he said advising ``it should come forward to prevent a nuclear holocaust.'' Expressing hope that Iran will take up the Kashmir issue in the forthcoming OIC session with a sense of urgency, he appealed to OIC states and its contact group on Kashmir to convene a special session on the situation in Kargil. ``The crisis has a diplomatic, political and humanitarian dimension which OIC should take note of,'' Javed said lamenting that the Islamic institution has fallen much behind to rise to the occasion.

(IRNA)