As per the results of a referendum held from Jan 9-15, more than 98% of Southern Sudanese, mostly Christian, opted for independence. In July 2011, it will be a separate nation, ending more than two decades of North-South civil war. If we recall East Timor, another Christian area got independence in 2002 from Indonesia. Unfortunately, Kashmiris are striving for their right of self-determination which was guaranteed to them by the UN Resolution in 1948. USA was the major player in the commission which drew up the resolution.
Innocent Kashmiris are suffering since last 63 years but due to vested economic interests, the world is not putting pressure on India to hold a referendum. These double standards create despondency, deprivation and anger among the youth. There is a need that the world in general and the US in particular must fulfil their obligations and solve this old dispute. The peace and stability in this region can only when all such disputes are solved on priority.
SHAHID ZAHUR
Rawalpindi
