Too many cooks and nothing to show for it
With Kashmir simmering for last seventy years and in flames since the martyrdom of Burhan Wani and introduction of nuclear arsenals in the theatre that had already witnessed three wars, resolution of Kashmir dispute becomes a matter of paramount importance. The present mass revolt has witnessed indiscriminate use of pellet guns by Indian security forces that have blinded thousands of unarmed boys and girls; social media have shared the stories and pictures of such atrocities but the conscience of world is in the state of quiescence. However, emotions are stirred in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan and before long, under public pressure; Governments will be forced to take actions that could lead to fourth war between the nuclear armed neighbours. Therefore, there is a need that the civil society and intelligentsia of both countries raise their voice and demand sustainable solution of the problem to avoid the “Armageddon”.
This leads to this question: what are the possible solutions to the Kashmir dispute? The obvious options (i.e.: entire Jammu and Kashmir – as was on August 1947 – joins Pakistan or India or becomes independent) are neither achievable nor practical. In following paragraphs I would analyse the Kashmir problem from an ordinary citizen’s point of view and will suggest a way forward that in my mind will be a win-win solution for all the parties.
India claims Jammu and Kashmir to be its “Attot Aung” on the basis that the Hindu Maharaja had signed the instrument of accession to India; claim that had been doubtful and all the protagonists have agreed that his decision had to be subjected to a plebiscite. India further claims that Kashmir, after Shimla agreement, is a dead issue and this agreement overrode the decision of United Nation Security Council (UNSC). This is also against the international law as no party has approached UNSC to amend or repeal its old rulings which therefore remains valid. Moreover, Shimla agreement clearly stated that the two sides must discuss the modalities for final settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Therefore, India’s claim of Kashmir to be its integral part is not justified.
The underlying causes of India not honouring the plebiscite promises made by her leaders are multifaceted. First is that India is very clear that overwhelming majority of Kashmiri population wants to get out of Indian dominion; the other is that if Kashmir is allowed to be parted, it will trigger a domino effect and states like Punjab, Assam and Tamil Nadu will also declare independence. Similarly, it also believes that if Kashmir, the only Muslim majority state, is allowed to depart it will destroy the secularity of the Indian constitution.
The concerns seem to be genuine but it cannot placate public opinion in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir who considered Kashmir to be occupied by India illegally. Every home, every family in Kashmir has suffered at the hands of Indian Security forces and there seems to be no way that Kashmiris will ever be content to live with India. The puppet Kashmiri leadership, which India so much relies on, can never be able to pacify the aggrieved people neither spending resources in Kashmir will subside the anger as common people are not agitating for their economic betterment or for tourism rather for independence and ideology. Therefore, India must develop the political will to recognise that Kashmir problem needs to be resolved whatever the price is.
Can accepting the existing Line of Control as international boundary, which India is ready to accept, be a sustainable solution?
No it can’t be; both Pakistan and Kashmiris have serious reservation in accepting this solution. This solution undermines the sacrifices of Kashmiris who have been fighting Indian forces since 1948.
Can independent Kashmir be an option?
No it can’t be; both India and Pakistan will object to it for the obvious reason that the region is landlocked and can’t survive on its own. It would either be dependent on neighbouring states or international community to survive economically. So the chances are that an independent Kashmir will become a proxy for international players; not a plausible situation for both India and Pakistan.
Therefore, the only sustainable solution, in my eyes, is division of Indian Occupied Kashmir according to the majority of population in respective areas. Indian Occupied Kashmir has three distinct regions; Kashmir valley – constitute 95% of the Muslim; Jammu – over 60% Hindus and Ladakh with 55% Buddhist population. Jammu and Ladakh can join India with Kashmir valley coming to Pakistan. Such division would, no doubt, create dissatisfied minorities that must be allowed to join the areas of their choices under strict UN protections.
Critics may argue that this means asking India to voluntarily give up territory which it holds and do not see India getting any benefit from it. The benefits are there, such as India can obtain permanent UNSC seat with Pakistan and China support. The immense economic benefit to entire region with Kashmir dispute resolved cannot be ignored. India can become part of CPEC and enjoy the shared prosperity thus beginning a new era for humanity and progress in this region. Lastly, this solution is like a give and take, which can satisfy the public opinion of both countries with both countries stepping back from their old stances.
I wish that the Indian Government do not adopt a wait and see policy with a hope that public anger will again steam out and calm will be restored. Because history has told us that it keeps on recurring and with more violence. I will end with quoting the renowned Indian writer Arundhati Roy who says, “India needs aazadi from Kashmir just as much as – if not more than – Kashmir needs aazadi from India”.
The author of this article doesn’t understand the matter completely and sharing his opinion publically. He should do in-depth research and do home work to first understand this critical issue.
No other state will ask for independence.. All of the states in India have contributed strengthening of India on global map.. We in India are very much futuristic thinkers.. we don’t need other countries opinion.. seriously u ppl have thousands of problems to solve before peeping into our country.. When participation happened in 1947 both countries agreed on one point that we can fight between each other but if there will be threat from 3rd country we both come together to fight that power.. unfortunately this is not the case today..
It Kashmir (less Jammu & Ladakh) merged with Pakisthan then Gilgit Baltistan to be merged with India. Beluchistan should to be declared an independent country. This is my opinion.
You are giving full access to China in your country. No country would do that until unless they are forced to do this like Tibet. This can be serious security issue in future.. China is doing what east India company did two centuries back.
Come out of slave mindset, everyone neighbor u will feel is planning to make india slave!!
Pakistan support is needed for UNSC seat…wow …the man is a genius. Live in your dream world., la la land. India is preparing for short scale war and these people are hallucinating.
“India is preparing for short scale war”, wohooo I am having a sleepless night; Indians have no idea what they are dealing with. Pakistan is not an innocent unarmed civilian who has stones in his hand. Be careful here bro, you are talking about a nuclear armed country. Better watch out.
Well said , but there’s a third way, the way of the Buddha did in Kalinga war
Muslim Holocaust is of Paramount importance
Seriously you guys lack standard. It’s not worthy as columnist. You need to improve your facts and composition. But how would you, when you are bonded by a narrow ideology. You can fume over it, but that’s the truth wisdom comes with humility, which I suppose is rare in Pakistan.
The author does not have in depth knowledge of Kashmir problem.The Kashmir problem has been aggravated only because of instigation & support from Pakistan on all fronts.This they have started after the humiliating defeat in 1971 war resulting disintegration of Pakistan by liberation of Bangladesh.Pakistan wants to revenge of India which they will never succeed.The only solution is Plebiscite(opinion poll) should take place among the Kashmiris about who are interested to go to Pakistan and who want to remain in India under the supervision of UNO. Forget for ever in your life that India will allow for any disintegration of its territory come what may even if World power wants us to do so.So far India will be there in world map Kashmir will be part of its territory.Let it be very clear to all the world power, if required India is ready to go for nuclear war & nobody on this earth can stop to safeguard its land.
Let both Kashmir and Baluchistan be independent of India and Pakistan respectively. You say Kashmir will be land locked and will find difficult to survive. If u had little knowledge of geography u could see Mongolia if they can survive why not Kashmir ?. Can u take this soln. leaving aside the trash written by M/s Roy.
Pakistan is a rogue state, and it appears natural for the Pakistani intellectual to make propositions that will favour religious fragmentation. The action by security forces is in retaliation to terrorist and mob actions in kashmir, instigated by the Pakistani Government. A better solution would be the tri furcation of Pakistan into Punjab, Sindh and North West Province, and leave Baluchistan and Gilgit Baltistan as independent provinces. Pakistan Occupied Kashmir can be merged with Jammu and Kashmir as a state of India.
This will also put an end to the proposed loot in the name of CPEC. It is a pity that Nehru and his successors have given a situation which ensures ferment and uncertainty.
I have given better option earlier on this issue. The solution is that both the Kashmirs be merged and make a common autonomous state of India and Pakistan with borders monitored by joint machinery of India and Pakistan. Let the Kashmiries live peacefully without any Army personnel in the towns and no stone pelting. Kashmir be given total autonomy without the botheration of defence expenditure.
The above solution will be a win win situation for both the countries but the solution is practicable only if both the parties are sincere in their agreement. Sincerity is lacking in one of the parties which is a threat to peace in the region.
India and Pakistan are fighting over Kashmir since 70 years with no peace in sight, especially after reading comments from Indian viewers I’m more disappointed. I would have loved to listen to their argument and likely solution in their mind. But they have relied more on jingoism and abuse that I have heard in their talk shows also. One thing is clear to me and that is there is no military solution to this problem but brushing the problem under the carpet is also not a solution. Many hundred thousand have lost their lives in Kashmir and that is not acceptable. Solution have to be found and it can not be entirely acceptable to both parties but only with dialogues can we reach a sustainable solution. Lastly, I think dialogues should only start when India accepts Kashmir to be core problem and is serious for its resolution, otherwise it will wasting time.
India’s policy of committing atrocities on Muslims is not new especially with their present PM having killed thousands of Muslims in Gujrat is a testimony to this fact. The comments of our hindu brothers are another testimony to this statement. Pakistan has always shown compromising stance and did not become the fort for the Islam that its founders has promised. Pakistan leadership and establishment have always kept the Kashmir dispute alive and had justifications. But now leaving our Muslim brothers on the receiving end is not good. The world conscience will never wake up for Muslims so we the Pakistan with the help of China had to do something to bring our brothers out of this misery. To me the solution proposed by the author is not ideal but plausible as I am for entire J&K to join Pakistan.
I agree with the author; Kashmir valley is in revolt. Neither Jammu or Ladakh or Azad Kashmir has ever seen any uprising. So the division of Jammu and Kashmir which in the first instance was never one state until Kashmir valley was sold to Dogras of Jammu by British seems to be all right.
Kashmir will get independence from India, come what may. Though I sound bit harsh but Indians only listen to language of bullet. Cow Vigilants have more respect for cow than humanbeings. They have no love lost for Kashmiris but are interested in the area. They will not get any. My hearts bleeds for my Kashmiri brethren and I want to tell them that we are always praying for them and their safety.
Popular government like that of Mr Midi can take bold steps and his name can be written in the history if he can rein his ultra nationalis (which I have doubts) and try to bring peace in South Asia. One solution has been suggested by the author but there are many, like joint holding of the valley and rest areas (Jammu, laddakh, GB) joining their respective areas. I would like to hear from the Indians readers of this esteem paper about solutions that suits them.
Are Pakis ready to accept Kashmiris as persecuted people …like they did the Afghans… that will show how much they care for Kashmiris… begging outside the door of ‘zaalim India’ is not getting them much…
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