Some people may choose to denounce views of a senior leader of Hurriyat Conference, Prof Abdul Gani Bhat that United Nations resolutions of 1948-49 on Kashmir dispute are impractical to be implemented in present times, but is he saying something really strange? We all know that no one in the world community is interested (other than Pakistan as is an affected party) to talk about these resolutions. Pakistan can’t enforce these resolutions by military means. Then what is the solution?
Prof Bhat called for taking up Parvez Musfarraf’s four-point formula to solve the Kashmir issue in a step-by-step manner. As per this formula, both Pakistan and India first need to allow free movement and free trade between two parts of Kashmir, both armies to be withdrawn from the conflict zone. Joint management should take up matters of common interest like governance, river waters and industrial growth.
After a period of 10 to 15 years, Kashmiri people should decide whether to continue with the joint management of the valley. If response is ‘yes’, Kashmir dispute is resolved forever. If by somehow joint management process is not favoured, then alternate arrangement to be worked out per the wishes of both sides of Kashmiri people.
Bhat was of the view that Kashmiris should be recognised as the architects of their own destiny, therefore, a dialogue process shall start among the three concerned parties – Pakistan, India and Kashmirs. The process has to be productive and time bound, not to gain time to fool the Kashmirs another time.
Pakistan and India may choose to remain hostage to the ills of subcontinent’s partition. These ills have proved to be the stumbling block in the progress. Both countries are maintaining world’s third and seventh largest armies, spending greater percentage of GDP on defence budget while millions are deprived of education, health care, sanitation, clean water or even a shelter.
But Bhat’ views will be denounced by hardliners on both sides of the border because keeping the Kashmir conflict ‘alive’ serves a number of parties. Beneficiaries include military, hardline political parties, weapons manufacturing and selling ventures. Perhaps one day we may have a strong and risk taking governments in Pakistan and India who may come forward with an out-of-box solution to correct the mistakes done by their predecessors 64 years back.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia