Genesis of Kashmir Conflict (cont)
 

Kashmir's reunification and Independence:

The option of reunification and independence of Kashmir is the dream of every Kashmiri nationalist, including myself. An independent Kashmir could become a "bridge of peace" between India and Pakistan, bringing an end not only to the suffering of Kashmir, but peace and prosperity to the entire sub-continent. By allowing Kashmir to enjoy some form of an independent status, neither India nor Pakistan stand to loose anything.

However, Kashmir's independence although quite appealing in many respects does pose some serious problems, given the wide differences of opinion and divisions within various regions of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover with the lack of any perceptible political or militant movement for independence within the Pakistan held parts of Kashmir; reunification and independence of Kashmir remains a distant goal.

Right from the beginning, Pakistan has always rejected the option of Kashmiri independence. On the other hand, India being one of the largest democracies in the world may find it very difficult to deny independence to Kashmir if achieved through a process of democracy. And given time and persuasion, the present lack of political will shown by India and Pakistan in favour of Kashmir's independence, may well change in its favour tomorrow. With no viable economy, lack of infrastructure and institutions Kashmir’s independence at this stage is a pipe dream.

Four major wars between India and Pakistan over Kashmir have proved that Pakistan does not have the capability to win the part of Kashmir within Indian control through a conventional war. While, India cannot take the risk of a fifth war, to regain the part of Kashmir under Pakistan's control. But the threat of a fifth Indo-Pak confrontation in the future, possibly nuclear, with devastating consequences for the entire sub-continent must remain a serious concern for all of us.

The way forward:

History provides hindsight, but with foresight, we may be able to bring an end to this 63-year old conflict that has plagued Indo-Pak relations since 1947 and brought untold suffering for the people of Kashmir.

As Karl Marx has said, "history repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce". It seems pointless wasting a lifetime arguing and fighting over a solution of the Kashmir problem based on the bitter post-partition Indo-Pak political history of Kashmir. Instead, we must focus our attention to the processes or the means for achieving an end to this tragic conflict.

World is fast shrinking into a global village sharing economy, trade and resources for human development with each other across the borders and territories. If Kashmir has to develop and share this progress, both India and Pakistan would need to be economically strong and politically stable....for this peace between the two is sine quo non.

A peaceful and lasting solution of the Kashmir problem can only emerge through a step by step process of dialogue between India, Pakistan and the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people. But the first pre-requisite for such a dialogue is an end to the violence irrespective of its origin or target- a dialogue and conflict cannot co-exist.

However, a durable peace in Kashmir can only emerge if the common man, irrespective of which side of the Line of Control he comes from is convinced that his aspirations and interests are going to be honoured.

Looking at the events in Kashmir from 1947 - 2004, It has a moral for both India and Pakistan. The Kashmir crisis cannot be resolved by short cuts, for working out a lasting solution India, Pakistan and the People of Jammu and Kashmir shall have to shun the premonitions and start a fresh initiating for a peaceful solution of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Otherwise, any other measures will be like just cutting the tail of a reptile, which has the capacity to grow.

A pragmatic, practical and achievable goal, which the people of Kashmir ought to pursue through peaceful means is, "the restoration of post-accession autonomy and all those institutions that existed during Maharaja's time".