The Pakistani President, General Pervez Musharraf, has criticised the forthcoming elections in Indian-administered Kashmir, saying they would "once again be rigged".

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly he also said the elections would be a hindrance, not a help, in finding a solution in the disputed region.

When a people's right to self determination and freedom are brutally suppressed by foreign occupation they may be driven to put up resistance by all means

General Musharraf to the UN general assembly

General Musharraf aimed strong criticisms at India, warning that while Pakistan would not start a war, it would exercise its right to self-defence.

He called on India, with which Pakistan has fought three wars since 1947, to hold talks and proposed that the two countries should agree to reduce their forces in Kashmir.

He also said they should observe a cease-fire along the border that divides the territory and halt what he called "state terrorism" against Kashmiris.

War on terror

Tension: The funeral of Mushtaq Ahmad Lone

Mr Musharraf also told the general assembly the war against terrorism was being used in some quarters to spread hatred against Islam and its followers.

Whilst condemning terrorism he said the world must not forget just causes that may lead people into individual acts of terror.

Referring to the continuing conflict in the disputed region of Kashmir he said: "When a people's right to self determination and freedom are brutally suppressed by foreign occupation they may be driven to put up resistance by all means."

Calling for a sustained dialogue between western nations and the Islamic world, President Musharraf said the root cause of terrorism was not religion, but very often, a sense of frustration and powerlessness felt by oppressed people.

Both President Musharraf and the Indian Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, are holding talks with President Bush while in the US.