Only practical solution to Kashmir problem is to convert Line of Control into an international border.
MADISON, WISCONSIN, USA: This is with reference to Kuldip Nayar’s article “Kashmir and the Indian state” (June 20). Everyone knows what each party in the Kashmir dispute wants. Pakistan wants the whole of Kashmir to be a part of its territory, India wants the whole of Kashmir to be its part and a section of the Kashmiri population wants complete freedom. Pakistan talks of following the UN resolutions and carrying out a plebiscite in Kashmir without actually knowing what these resolutions really entail and what the conditions of holding a plebiscite are.
I believe that the only practical solution to the Kashmir problem is to convert the Line of Control into an international border, while allowing visa-free travel between the two parts of Kashmir. Any other demand by any side is not going to materialise even after the passage of a 100 more years. However, I also believe that keeping the Kashmir dispute alive is a big industry. Many parties benefit from this dispute. I am sure they will not like this dispute to be resolved lest their business closes down.
Rajendra Kalkhande
Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2012.
