The writer, a native of South Waziristan, has a master’s degree in conflict resolution from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California and blogs at
http://coffeeshopdiplomat.wordpress.com/
In Pakistan, it is becoming unacceptable to mention Kashmir for fear of being branded an ultra-nationalist and being excluded from the ‘India friendship’ club. While pursuing better relations with our neighbour is indeed noble, it should not come at such an expense. In reality, there has been no political resolve to fix the issue due to India’s determination to keep branding it as an internal matter and then ignoring it. There has been no constructive conflict resolution and, instead, the Kashmir issue is held hostage every time an incident occurs between India and Pakistan.
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution accorded Kashmir a special status within the union and clearly states: “All subjects of the state ... shall be safe and free in expressing their views and in voting on the question of the accession of the state to India or Pakistan”. According to the 1949 UN resolution, both India and Pakistan agreed that the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan would be decided through a plebiscite. The resolution also states that all persons (other than citizens of the state) who have entered it after August 15, 1947 for other than lawful purpose, shall be required to leave the state. This requires Pakistan to withdraw its military, while India is allowed to maintain its forces (currently numbering 500,000) in Kashmir to preserve law and order. Consequently, the Indian Army declared a defacto martial law and became excessively violent. Thousands of Kashmiris have disappeared and their whereabouts remain unknown. A police investigation in 2011 by the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission found 2,730 bodies dumped into unmarked graves at 38 sites in northern Kashmir.
India’s position on Kashmir appears to be hypocritical. The state of Junagadh had originally acceded to Pakistan on August 15, 1947 but was occupied by the Indian military in November, which ultimately led to its accession to India after a referendum was held in February 1948. Likewise, the Nizam of Hyderabad had declared his intention to remain independent rather than be a part of the Indian Union. On September 17, 1948, however, Indian forces invaded Hyderabad and the Nizam had to sign the instrument of accession. Keeping these two events in mind, is Pakistan’s position that the Maharaja of Kashmir signed the instrument of accession under duress so unbelievable?
The 1972 Simla agreement binds India and Pakistan to settle their differences (including Kashmir) through peaceful means using bilateral negotiations. However, India has refused to make a genuine effort to find a solution to this conflict. This dispute will not go away and clearly, the usual mechanisms, peace dialogues and such are not working.
UN resolutions have been implemented in Kosovo, East Timor and South Sudan. It is time for a plebiscite to be held in Kashmir and determine what the Kashmiris want. The first step towards ensuring a fair plebiscite would be a step-by-step mutual demilitarisation of the region. Accordingly, India should allow the UN Military Observer Group to conduct its mission on the Indian side of the LoC without restrictions. Finally, Pakistan needs to do everything within its means to motivate the international community to get serious about the conflict before people take matters into their own hands. A fairly conducted plebiscite, which was already mutually agreed to, will remove a significant source of extremism and erase a blockade to lasting peace with India.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2013.
COMMENTS (103)
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A very well written article by Miss Khan which reflects her education talent having masters in conflict resolution! The kashmii people are one of the finest and docile people of the world and have the universal human right like other peoples of the world. The position of the UN is very clear, they must be allowed to decide on their future.
Their current split of half under the Indian military occupation, and the second half with support of Pakistan military, has brought the great Kashmiri Nation into a state of limbo which is not retainable and could only lead towards fogetfulness into history. This should not and must not be acceptable, they are part of the world heritage, a land and the people were was once known as the paradise on earth.. Mr Ban ki Moon is a fool in prioritising buildings but not the most beautiflul specimen of people on earth as a wold heitage..They are unfortunately the product of the colonial rule which allowed the Maharajas and the sultans as well small and large Barons and landlords to control the proleterians slaves peasants as long as they were loyal to the bitish Raj. in India. India and Pakistan should be wise enough to loosen their hold on the kashmiri people, make the borders and lines of control meaningless, if they are unable to alter them..
Rex Minor
@irfan:
hindis, lets cut to the chase, stop beating about the bush and hold the plebiscite.
And let us make Biryani without Mutton, Rice and a Fire too.
The UN Resolution says that J&K has to be cleared of all Pakistanis before the plebiscite can be held.
According to the 1949 UN resolution, both India and Pakistan agreed that the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan would be decided through a plebiscite. The resolution also states that all persons (other than citizens of the state) who have entered it after August 15, 1947 for other than lawful purpose, shall be required to leave the state. This requires Pakistan to withdraw its military, while India is allowed to maintain its forces (currently numbering 500,000) in Kashmir to preserve law and order.
Ask someone to explain this really slowly to you.
@Kashmiri: What about no to China?
Great piece built on historical perspective, morality, common sense and internationally accepted ethics and values respecting human rights. Her great grandfathers fought for Kashmir, now proudly she is keeping the flame alive and carrying out the noble service through intellectual pursuits and by her pen.
Great piece built on historical perspective, morality, common sense and internationally accepted ethics and values respecting human rights. Her great grandfathers fought for Kashmir, now proudly she is keeping the flame alive and carrying out the noble service through intellectual pursuits and pen.
@taurus:
Actually, human beings share about 90% of their genes with chimpanzees. That still doesn't explain lower than ape IQ some of our neighbors seem to carry.
@Observer: So what kind of marked graves do you expect for jihadis sent by Pakistan who were killed by Indian soldiers? Of course they are unmarked graves. Also Musharraf who now preens about Kargill, refused to accept the dead bodies of NLI soldiers who died in Kargill claiming they were mujahidins when the fact subsequently have revealed they were indeed soldiers. These people too were buried by Indian army with due respect but in absence of any identification, these soldiers too would be in unmarked graves.
@hindis, lets cut to the chase, stop beating about the bush and hold the plebiscite. Is the so called largest democracy scared of the 'vote' or right to self determination???
Mods: Please allow reply to a question directed at me.
@Observer: @foriegn leg… Have you lost your mind? India was burying thousands of Kashmiris in unmarked graves and you have the nerve to preach a fable about kindness? How kind is it to lock adults up at curfew very night? Nobody (including the author) is saying Pakistan is full of angels, but India hardly has the moral high ground here. . So what exactly do you suggest? India will not relinquish its status-quo. Pakistan has tried everything from covert wars to regular war to infiltration to propaganda over the past 65 years. Pakistan still keeps referring to a non-binding UN resolution that was tabled by none other than Nehru and which Pakistan reneged on. Pakistan wants UNMOGIP to oversee when Pakistan itself has agreed to resolve any differences bilaterally under the Simla Agreement. . You are dead wrong when you say that India does not have the moral high ground. Pakistan lost the moral high ground when they sent army regulars and tribal in 1948. It lost it further by its subsequent actions as an irresponsible state. Ever wonder why no one sides with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue? By now, Pakistan's record of duplicity is well known all over the world. . As far as the unmarked graves are concerned, more than 87% are those of infiltrators from Pakistan from over the years. Pakistan should take those bodies back. . Finally, your statement on Pakistan (not) being full of angels? Sure, I agree there are plenty of good Pakistanis the same way you will find good and not-do-good people anywhere. But what does this have to do with anything? When one looks at Pakistan, we look at the actions of the state. For instance, a responsible state will ensure that its citizens do not go to some other country to kill its citizens.
1st off, the Kashmiri leadership wanted independence for Kashmir and were forced by the 'tribals' and 'irregulars' (wink wink Pakistani soldiers with license to loot, pillage and rape) to seek intervention from India. Nehru saw no reason to put Indian soldiers' lives on the line for a region that did not want to be part of India. Only when the Kashmiri leadership - aghast at the prospects of being part of Pakistan after watching the Pakistani military wreak savagery and havoc in it's march to Srinagar - agreed to accession to India did the Indian military intervene.
I agree with the author that Pakistan should do everything to enforce UN resolution. Let's start with 1) Pakistan vacating the Kashmir that it has occupied, 2) recover the ladn 'donated' to China and bring it all under Indian control. 3) Once the displaced people are resettled back in Kashmir and 4) non-Kashmiris who came after 1948 are evicted...
After implementing the above 4 conditions, Pakistan will have the moral authority to demand implementation of UN resolutions.
@foriegn leg... Have you lost your mind? India was burying thousands of Kashmiris in unmarked graves and you have the nerve to preach a fable about kindness? How kind is it to lock adults up at curfew very night? Nobody (including the author) is saying Pakistan is full of angels, but India hardly has the moral high ground here.
Actually... I must apologize to "observer". Why else would we need an army of 500,000 in such a small region if not to oppress the general population? Plus, why did I trace history back to the dawn of time since india and pak didnt exist in their current forms until 1947? Sorry for my absurd comments earlier.
Pakistan's claim for Kashmir is based on Islam/muslim. However, Pakistan has broken an important covenant of Islam. In Islam, if anyone entrusts you with his property, it is obligatory that you keep it safe, protect it the same way you would your own, and return it to the owner when he asks for it. This applies even if a non-muslim hands over his property to a muslim and even more important if the property is handed over to a muslim by another muslim. Azad Kashmir is not Pakistan's property as the name itself implies, and also that Azad Kashmir has its own government and Prime Minister. Maulana just overseas interests of Azad Kashmir and is just a trustee. By giving away part of the Kashmir region to China, Pakistan misused the property that did not belong to it and was entrusted to it only for safe-keeping. Pakistan, thus broke an important islamic covenant.
@Moderator: I fail to understand what is objectionable below. I have tried to be as civil as possible. . @Author: For someone who has a master's degree in conflict resolution from the US, this article is remarkably poor. If there is any hope that Pakistan can challenge India's status quo on Kashmir, then you of all people should know that there can be only one way. . I urge you to read about Nobel Prize winner Kim Dae Jung's Sunshine Policy towards North Korea. Only a similar policy from Pakistan towards India can bring about any realistic and permanent change. . Below is Aesop's fable on which this policy is based: . The Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger. Suddenly they saw a traveller coming down the road, and the Sun said: "I see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveller to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger. You begin." So the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it could upon the traveller. But the harder he blew the more closely did the traveller wrap his cloak round him, till at last the Wind had to give up in despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the traveller, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on. . Moral: Kindness effects more than severity.
"Listen to your intellectuals like Arundhuti Roy."
Oh please, no serious fellow in India uses 'intellectual' word for Miss Arundhati Roy. An Intellectual is one who seeks truth and avoids getting set into ideologies. While Miss Roy has a set ideology and would by & large never analyse an issue dispassionately. You can tell her stance on a matter even before she utters it - Dismantle the present Indian State, society, & Country, side with any group that wants to do this job to her satisfaction - be it the insurgents in North-East, Maoists or Kashmiri Separatists and have a paranoia over everything the Capitalist Western Govt does.
However, I am proud of the fact that she is allowed to speak freely & carry on her activities in India without any threats to her life. A modern society shall never sacrifice Freedom of Expression.
so again pakistan bashing by indians to obscure the ill-doings of their state, not many indians have balls to accept the truth, the more i read the comments the more dumb i will treat the people of this nation but i know not all are dumb, some make use of their brains too. These jokers dont make the intellectual community of the country.
Might is right ! Forget about human rights, justice and resolutions.
@Sterry: Most Kashmiris including family members I know will always align themselves with Pakistan due to religious, cultural, geographical and historical reasons.
What did you say? I am from Dhaka, proud Bangladeshi. You never learn lessons from history. that is the whole problem.
If this is your PhD thesis.... I am afraid you have already failed ... Try something on Balochistan ... and yes don't forget to do your homework .... kiddoo
@Maria: Before that Baluchistan with get freedom
It's very amusing to see Indians get all worked up whenever Pakistanis mention Kashmir and their so-called support for the cause. This is because Pakistan has no real intention of taking any precipitate action in support of this, nor are they serious / believe that they have a real shot at getting Kashmir.
Here's why:
Jammu and Kashmir has a population of Sunni muslims, Shias, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Hindus (Pandits and others), Sikhs, Buddhists and others. Even if you make the assumption that every last Kashmiri Sunni muslim wants to join Pakistan, their population is no more than 1.5 million (at best). The other 5.5 million residents belong to the other denominations and religions.
Pakistan AFAIK has NO plan to integrate these people. If you were serious about an influx of 5.5 millions non-Sunni, non-muslim citizens, you would need to do several things. Such as a constitutional package of reform - giving them equal rights, de-islamizing the polity, the constitution, laws etc. That has not even been imagined. You would also need a social package - that would help this huge population assimilate with the existing population. You would need an economic package to make them all gainfully employed and happy in their new situation.
Pakistan has not done any of this because there is no seriousness in this demand. Consequently, Indians need not get needlessly worked up about it. It's like my pet that chases down cars. It has no intention to drive the car, but it likes to chase it. Such is the nature of the Kashmir obsession that can only spawn such opinion pieces and little else.
@Toba Alu: The last few years I visited AJK on several occasions and noted that many Kashmiris openly expressed that they are not Pakistani, they simply want to be free Kashmiris without any link with Pakistan. But this solution was not allowed before/during partition. . You are wrong. That was the situation at the time of partition. The Maharaja of Kashmir wanted Kashmir to be an independent state. But then Pakistan had to send its mercenaries over to Kashmir who engaged in widespread looting, killing and raping and forced the Maharaja to accede to India. . By the way a similar situation happened in Kalat, Baluchistan. The Nawab of Kalat wanted to accede to India but India refused as it didn't make any sense and when word got out, the Nawab of Kalat acceded conditionally to Pakistan.
@Observer: What about your all weather friend - the "Chinks" - you gifted land which is not yours. Will they vacate?
@Kashmiri: "This naturally envisages a role for third party mediation or reversion of matter back to UN." Well, if it "naturally" envisages those actions, why haven't you tried those in the last 65 years or why don't you try those even now, smartypants?
@Mir Agha: "this is the only solution lest the Kashmiris take up arms to defend themselves." So, when are you moving back to Kashmir to take up arms against India, "to defend" yourself and other Kashmiris persecuted by India? Oh, what is the use. You are like all those hypocrite and coward mullahs who want every one else's sons to sacrifice themselves as suicide bombers and send their own to elite universities.
@taurus:
it would explain why some of us our have ape like features!!!!
Yes, it would definitely explain why some of 'you' look the way you do. But then, why go so far back, monkey business is still going on- Just witness Afghanistan and Kashmir too.
According to the 1949 UN resolution, both India and Pakistan agreed that the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan would be decided through a plebiscite. The resolution also states that all persons (other than citizens of the state) who have entered it after August 15, 1947 for other than lawful purpose, shall be required to leave the state. This requires Pakistan to withdraw its military, while India is allowed to maintain its forces (currently numbering 500,000) in Kashmir to preserve law and order.
In short as per UN resolutions all Pakistanis need to get out of J&K.
@Maria: Same about Baluchistan............Lol....Lets see who wins
Dream on Dearie....
India: have mercy for the common people in the kashmir valley, now that you are on the verge of becoming an economic power. It is evident from whats happening there every day that they are not in peace with the current status quo.Listen to your intellectuals like Arundhuti Roy. Kashmir's name is appearing in the Guiness book of records for all the wrong reasons not because of its picturesque scenery.Look what Jawaharlal Nehru said about kashmir.Be humanatarian and raise your consciousness.Be generous and Pakistan would follow the lead.Contribute to the peace and harmony on this planet earth and let the populace in the subcontinent flourish.
@Jatin: Free Kashmir valley ? It is already free and very much part of India. And this is how it will remain. If ever there is a change in borders, it will be in favor of India. Make no mistake.
@Rafi Ka Deewana: What an idea sirjee...
India's acts of occupation do not end with Kashmir. The latest to be occupied is ET's wbsite.
@Arijit Sharma.:
If you allow Pakistanis to visit Kashmir Issue they will it another shape. So wait till Imran Khan become the prime minster of Pakistan.
He is sensible man and has the vision, he will something good for all three of us
@author, after reading so much about kashmir and its various dimensions, I am adding a new dimension. Imagine for a fleeing hour (not minutes or not secs, want some story) India agrees to handover kashmir to pakistan, Can you for sure get what you gave to china back.
If china does not give it back, whill there be militancy there also?
I would like to read stories about it.
The last few years I visited AJK on several occasions and noted that many Kashmiris openly expressed that they are not Pakistani, they simply want to be free Kashmiris without any link with Pakistan. But this solution was not allowed before/during partition.
@Kashmiri: Go to Afghanistan.
How abt Xinkiang where China routinely commits atrocities against Uighur Muslims? Let's have a plebiscite there as well.
No to Pakistan...No to India.
@truthbetold, if we follow your logic and back enough in time, it would explain why some of us our have ape like features!!!!
@Maria, Freedom? For POK as well? Have you asked the army, government and people of Paksitan?
@Humza, You say-Woe, this article seems to have hit a raw nerve with the Indians – they seem almost hysterical. Fact of the matter is, Indians have seen their country being torn into two pieces before by outside forces. We do NOT want further repititions of the partitions trauma. The result of the 1947 partition is there for all to see. If you ae unable to get a neutral perspective of the division of this great country, ask the Bangladeshis or Muslims living in India what it means, what its done to their collective ethos.
Even I fell for this sucker punch - concentrate on what is happening here, North Korea
Highly respected madam UNO has already discharged Kashmir's issue from its agenda by saying so that this is Pakistan's and India's internal matter.So UNO shall never play any role to resolve Kashmir issue and if in future UNO plays any role then India shall reject all UNO's offers to resolve Kashmir issue and in the last India is never going to free Kashmir thru peaceful means,talks and negotiations and if you have courage then free/release Indian Occupied Kashmir from Indian occupation by adopting other resources and means instead of peace talks and negotiations because 65 years have been wasted intentionally by knowing very well every thing completely and deeply on useless and non-result-oriented peace talks and negotiations between Pakistan and India on Kashmir issue......
The author should note that not just Nizam of Hyderabad, but Maharaja of Tranvancore (a Hindu ruler) and Khan of Kalat were also toying with the idea of independence. Both the states were annexed. As far as J&K goes, the author fails to mention about the tribal invasion of the state from Pakistan and how the Kashmiris fought against it. At that time, Shiekh Abdullah, an elected leader also supported not joining Pakistan. So Pakistan's case is not easy too. Of the current Indian population, a majority favor handing over the Muslim Kashmir valley to Pakistan and retaining Hindu Jammu and Buddhist Ladakh along with a new deal to implement hassle free transfer of Indian muslim population to Pakistan and non-muslims to India. It is to be remembered, almost 90% of undivided India voted to partition the country but only 5 Million of the 40 Million Muslims of current territory of India migrated. Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan stalled further immigration into Pakistan in 1950. The business of Partition when finished completely will prosperity& friendship to the region.
@SM: Yours is the best comment on this topic.
Rafi Ka Deewana:
That is a fantastic point. Pakistan as a state created at the time of British withdrawal ceased to exist post 1971. What exists today is the residual west-pakistan, that entered into an Shimla Agreement with India, thus succeeding all UN resolutions.
The only way now is to negotiate a workable solution. Which is acceptance & conversion of existing LOC as border.
@Rafi Ka Deewana:
"How come Bangladesh wants no part of Kashmir? I mean, it was Pakistan when the UN resolution was discussed. And when it broke off, it was bigger than the left-over Pakistan itself. So, technically speaking, it should also claim a part of Kashmir."
You are quite correct. Since Bangladesh was a bigger part of Pakistan until 1971, they should have a bigger claim on Kashmir than Pakistan. They should be a party to the dispute.
and you will chair that meeting....hillarious...
Well written piece! A reminder to the world that Pakistan has not given up on Kashmiri people and never will. Kashmir is a core dispute between India and Pakistan. Indian attitude towards this dispute is not at all helpful. Probably Indians don’t want things to change.
@ SM “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Baluchistan is weak at the moment. … its easy for India to raise the temperature there.” Well responding to confession on Baluchistan. Truth at last! India has been actively creating trouble in Baluchistan and for that matter in rest of the Pakistan too.
While India conveniently blames Pakistan for every terrorist incident in India such as blast in Pakistan-bound Samjhuta express in 2007. We all know it was the work of extremist-Hindu organizations now. Recently the Indian Home Minister revealed that BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) were involved in this act that killed 42 Pakistan nationals. Regarding recent Indian accusations on violation of ceasefire on LoC by Pakistan and killing and mutilation of its soldiers; it’s yet another plethora of lies by India. An article published in Hindustan Times on Jan 20th of this year wrote. “In her ‘Confessions of a War Reporter’, published in June 2001 by Himal, a well-known Nepalese magazine, Barkha Dutt recounted how she witnessed a decapitated Pakistani soldier’s head at Kargil. Indian Army Colonel said “the boys got it as a gift for the brigade.” The article further states, “Harinder Baweja, the editor (Investigation) of this paper, witnessed something similar.” “Barkha and Harinder are eye-witnesses. They’re highly regarded journalists. They have a reputation for telling the truth. More importantly, they have no reason to lie.”
Well, we are lucky in Pakistan to have sensible people who can make rational analysis of the situation. Unlike Indians, who just continue to toe their government’s line i.e., Pakistan-bashing and hateful propaganda against Pakistan.
@Observer:
"India created this desperate form of warfare by occupying a region where they’re unwelcome"
Kashmir has since ancient times a Hindu/Buddhist land. It is only in the last three hundred years that people of Turkish, Persian and CAR origins occupied Kashmir. So, there is no case for India occupying its own ancient land.
For that matter, most of Pakistan was also Hindu/Buddhist land. I am sure you are aware that Pakistanis claim to be Aabs, Trukics, Afghans and Persians. These very origins confirm that Pakistan was occupied by these foreign people.
Why Pakistan lost Kashmir:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=lord%20mountbatten%20wife%20nehru%20affair&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&ved=0CFQQtwIwCA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=lord%20mountbatten%20wife%20nehru%20affair&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&ved=0CEkQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Ffemail%2Farticle-1216186%2FThe-shocking-love-triangle-Lord-Mountbatten-wife-founder-modern-
@Observer: Woe, this article seems to have hit a raw nerve with the Indians - they seem almost hysterical. A little more than desperation seems to be their reaction! Just shows how valid Pakistan's claims to Kashmir!
Keep dreaming and continue to destroy yourselves both politically and economically.
When will you stop this nonsense? Get a job.
Agree LOC as the border and move on with our lives.
If we can discuss the matter within defined parameters it would make sense. If one wants to talk of Tirah and Rangers in Karachi, it will not take away the problem of Kashmir. Besides it will broaden the discussion to what every individual thinks is his intellectual contribution. After all there are issues of the Muslim massacre in Gujrat, the Samjhota train burning by Indian Officers killing Muslim pilgrims, there are issues with Babri Mosque demolition by Hindu Fanatics and there is the case of Rajiv Gandhi getting clobbered by a soldier in Sri Lanka but these arguments do not contribute to resolution of Kashmir? So lets ask the simple question without wishing it away: is there a dispute in Kashmir? Is there a UN resolution on the subject? Has it been implemented? So if you wish that the matter is resolved give your opinion how, if you think its India's internal matter, fine, but live with the consequences. Dont talk of Pakistan's weak economy, that it may be and may even collapse but are you denying that put against the wall Pakistan will not/cannot take you to the cleaners????
Who introduced violence into Kashmir ? Who changed the character of Kashmir by introducing settlers and driving out non Muslims ? Who gave away large chunks of Kashmir to China and continues to shed crocodile tears and mislead ? The World knows which countries uses terrorists ---- leave aside what Pakistan or India think. If Pakistan decides to commit suicide nothing in the World can stop it.
@ Author,
what guarentee is there to prevent Pakistan gifting off (or selling) more land to China- Like Aksi Chin?
A good start will be to have a plebiscite in Pak Occupied Kashmir(PoK).
Sensible and reasonable article, with no excuses and no distortion of facts. Sadly, you will not find such honest analysis across the border where journalistic standards are woefully low and the media is controlled by rhetoric from the Army rather than the facts.
Hindis on heat!!! Plebiscite, its the people, idiots, not excuses, substance not form.
@a_writer: Add to the above the fact that ET has to remain "liberal" by printing "both" sides of the matter.
@LOL: Kashmiris will get there freedom one day whether Indians realise it or not. It's only a matter of time; It's a shame that you can't understand this. Indians will always try to twist the Kashmir issue with 1000 excuses but the fundamental point is that most Kashmiris do not see themselves as Indian and will always support Pakistan.
Kudos Sabina, this is the only solution lest the Kashmiris take up arms to defend themselves. Even the "india friendship" gang knows and wants this solution, eventually. Obfuscation and outright denial is not a solution. But myths and theories will be parroted by the hindutva crowd.
How come Bangladesh wants no part of Kashmir? I mean, it was Pakistan when the UN resolution was discussed. And when it broke off, it was bigger than the left-over Pakistan itself. So, technically speaking, it should also claim a part of Kashmir.
We can have plebiscite once all the kashmiri pandits driven away are resettled.
So is Pakistan ready to ask China to give back the piece of land that they have gifted to them before the plebiscite is held ?
Going by the same logic are you ready to held a plebiscite in Balochistan which will only allow Baloch people to vote?
Madam, Worry about reclaiming Tirah valleh first, then worry about KAshmir valley.
Ah, so was it the India friendship club that passed a parliamentary resolution supporting a duly convicted terrorist who was executed after due process of law? Is it the friendship club that lies about India stealing its water when time and time again, India continues to wi its cases in neutral international arbitration? Is it the friendship club that beheaded our soldier? Is it the friendship club that donates hides to LeT and JeM? With friends like these...
Oh my... This has touched a sensitive Indian nerve. The author called for all forces to leave, including Pak. Then she asked for the mutually agreed to plebiscite to be held. What happened next? About 1.2 billion excuses were presented to keep Kashmiris captive. I especially enjoyed the logic of saying this oppressed area has turned to extremism so we can't give them rights. India created this desperate form of warfare by occupying a region where they're unwelcome. Now they use the chaos they created as justification for further human rights violations.
Plebiscite?! Address the following two issues. 1. Ask Pakistsn to withdraw to its pre 1947 positions, per UN resolution. 2. And the demographics should be the same as then.
Now gloss over the entire export of 'strategic assets' and Kargil war both initiated by Pakistan. Forget senseless lives lost and maimed in Kashmir and rest of India (and Pakistan mind you).
Now ignore the systematic marginalization of non-Muslims, Shias and Ahmadis. The constitution of the Islamic Republic endorses bigotry - and - the common citizens choose not to stand in support of their fellow citizens. Equality, tolerance, freedom so cherished in truly secular societies (where Muslims live, including Kashmir with India) is denied to what people now refer to as the permanent "others" in Pakistan. This tragedy is well within Pakistan's borders - why can't it provide basic rights that the author enjoys in Pakistan and the western world? Should the UN pass a resolution asking Pakistan to do what is only human?
@author You talk about conflict resolution, a conflict that should not have been born. This conflict was precipitated by Pakistan and kept simmering for six decades while 'resolution' in every Pakistani mind is that Kashmir becomes part of Pakistan. Well that is not a solution. It is a demand. I think status quo will continue for the next thirty years and then LOC will be accepted as the de jure border.
Ms. Khan's Pakistani origin by itself does not appear to be the reason for the slant of this article which paints Pakistan as the aggrieved party and India as the usurper. After all, Ms. Khan is living in the West and hence one can safely assume that she must have had ample opportunity to hear more varied and practical opinions and solutions to Kashmir issue other than the 'dead horse' of Plebiscite. I believe there is a more powerful motive to the partiality evident in the article. Imagine you are a 'Kamran Shafi' or a 'Dr.Hoodbhoy'. You can be brutally honest about current state of affairs in Pakistan and its untenable and unsustainable position on lot of issues. Columnists like them have established a certain level of popularity and integrity that they have no fear of not getting published. They do not have a need to resort to pandering.
Ms.Khan, on the other hand, appears to be a young and up and coming columnist who is obscure and not widely recognized. I am assuming she is somewhat constrained to write a 'play it safe' column that has a higher probabability to resonate well with the readers in Pakistan.
Viewed in that light - her arguments on the Kashmir issue make perfect sense.
The author is too clever by half for showing an outwardly reasonable attitude. She full well knows that infiltrated Muslims both in Pak-occupied kashmir and also the remaining Indian controlled Kashmir will vote on side of pakistan in any plebiscite. Muslim threat has driven out hundreds of Hindus from their erstwhile home in Indian Kashmir. All Hindus or their descendents who have left to live in India should return to Kashmir and all Muslims who have been settled in Pakistan held kashmir be sent to their pre 1947 homes and then perhaps we can talk of a plebiscite. The best solution given the mess created by that Muslim loving Jawaharlal Nehru is the status quo. Both parties i.e. India and Pakistan should shake hands on this and move on. There are more important issues such as controlling terrorists who operate in both countries killing and murdering people, improve the lot of women to name two most important issues so that both nations can prosper.
What about the voting rights of people of Akshi chin, a part of Kashmir that Pakistan gave it to China, to take part in a plebicide? If Kashmir is disputed land than what moral rights Pakistan had to transfer a disputed land to China? As for the world opinion on this “conflict” I refer the readers to Christine Fair’s article in Nov 5th 2012 edition of Foreign Policy Magazine. She clearly destroyed the Pakistan’s moral rights on Kashmir.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/11/05/pakistanipowerplay
“As long as the UN remains on the sidelines, terrorists will continue to flourish in the region.” There are no UN issues at the Afghan Pakistan Border or within the borders of Pakistan and terrorist still exist, a very lame statement.
Wow, this is called Height of Hypocrisy!! Not even a single mention about Pakistan State sponsored jihadis !! The author herself very restraint in stating the facts which implicates Pakistani state. Talk about double standards !!
@Jat: Thanks Jat for your post. I was just going to make a list and post. Saved me trouble and time.
UN's role is finished with the signing of Shimla Agreement of 1972. Now. the issue is a bilateral affair b/w India & Pakistan to be settled through dialogue. There's no way, we are going to allow another partition (and by corollary another sectarian genocide) of our motherland. Not to mention the fact that a hostile Kashmir on the lines of Pakistan could end up becoming a military base or terror base of hostile foreign powers seeking strategic depth inside India. Those who don't like India's secular constitution having minority rights (which happen to be the rights of Hindus/Sikhs/Buddhists/Shias/moderate Sunnis in the case of Kashmir) and instead prefer banning little girls from singing & attack hindu temples on one hand & Ashura processions on other, should pack their bags and join their brethren in the hills of Waziristan.
Further elaboration on the matter will be done by my fellow Indians on this comments page.
Regarding the much talked about UN resolution you write "This requires Pakistan to withdraw its military, while India is allowed to maintain its forces" Are you sure that Pakistan is willing to withdraw its forces from the Pakistani side of Kashmir which is a requirement? The fact is both countries differe on each and every point. However, they both agree that Kashmir should remain their part! Why not give Kashmiris an option of self-rule beside the other two options?
Finally, Pakistan needs to do everything within its means to motivate the international community to get serious about the conflict
Conflict ? Look at the headlines in ET right now as I am typing this:
Attack on Rangers truck kills four personnel, injures four Army should be deployed in Balochistan: Caretaker interior minister Joseph Colony case: Lahore police admits it purposefully avoided clash with mob Two groups clash in Gujranwala’s Christian colony Professor Sibte Jafar’s murder: Two LeJ suspects arrested Sectarian violence: Yet another Shia trader shot deadAnd what of the portions that Pakistan so generously gave away to China? The plebiscite was meant for Kashmir that existed in 1947. Khan wishes to eat her cake and have it.
Good write-up. Pakistan can set an example by holding a plebiscite in the part of Kashmir held by it. While at it, the plebiscite can also ask residents in the Kashmir, held by it, whether they approve the act of Pakistan giving up a part of its Kashmir to China. As for the plebiscite as per the UN resolution, of the 1940s, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. If the author does a bit more of research she will realise that Pakistan itself will not be able to fulfil the conditions of the UN resolution. For eg. getting back part of Kashmir seceded to China. For a country that could not even keep what came to it in 1947 (East Pakistan), it is best to leave sleeping dogs lie. Otherwise one never knows what else can stir up.
If wishes were horses...
Decent article. However, we should also remember that UN mandate is also equally applicable for us. For plebiscite to take place, Pak has to do the following as per UN 1. Remove all armed forces from PoK/AJK 2. Return the land to its original 1947 state, i.e return the land to India when it was ceded to Indian Republic by the Maharaja, not Pakistan 3. Restore all population and demography back to Original 1947 level. Which means all non muslims in PoK/AJK, who have been thrown out of their land has to be restored here. In addition, 9 million Kashmiri Hindus/Sikhs/Buddhists in India has to be restored.
Since Pakistan is not willing to do any of the above, how can we expect or ask a plebiscite? I think, if we stop exporting nonsense across border, the problem in Kashmir will automatically die down. The problem lies in our mentality and our wrong deeds in history.
Well, not an honest account of the Kashmir issue, but then I was not really expecting one. Let's see, and let me be very honest --- forget Kashmir. This issue is dead. Why? Because Pakistan does not seem like a viable state to begin with. It has no money to fight a war with India and increasing militancy will also be very difficult to sustain for the long term. Why? Not because India has nuclear weapons, but because India has a bigger and increasingly larger military budget. It can sustain for at least the next 100 years the low lever militancy in the name of internal law and order problem. The question is, can Pakistan sustain itself for same time with equal zeal to fund militancy in a increasingly islamized society with no oil money to speak of and several internal strife? It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Baluchistan is weak at the moment. If Pakistan creates problem in Kashmir its easy for India to raise the temperature there. However, is the Pakistani obsession good to Kashmiris? I leave the question to them. They cant get out of this conflict, therefore they have to make a choice about their own livelihoods, freedom and justice. India is not a fundamentally unjust place. But if you come with all guns blazing, don't expect that India will just roll over and die. But from a geo-political perspective, UN resolution of 1948 died in Shimla. I guess Pakistanis forgot that as soon as the last solder captured in Dhaka crossed the Wagah border. Come to terms with reality or you will self-destruct yourself in this blaze of fire.
want kashmir? come and take it
And will the demilitarization and plebiscite occur in Azad Kashmir as well?
A well written article that highlights Indian duplicity on the Kashmir issue. Ultimately the world will force India to honour UN resolutions on Kashmir because the issue won't go away as Indians want. You can't hold an entire people hostage indefinitely - be it in Palestine or Kashmir or anywhere. Most Kashmiris including family members I know will always align themselves with Pakistan due to religious, cultural, geographical and historical reasons. It is only a matter of time before Kashmiris will be able to able to exercise their inalienable rights. Liberals in Pakistan do a disservice when they forget Pakistan's principled position on Kashmir must be maintained despite trade ties and friendship measures.
Yeah... that's Israels favorite excuse to keep Palestine under their thumb..."this is an internal issue and cannot be resolved by outsiders". Works well, I can see why Indian has adopted the mantra. Thanks for calling out much needed attention to this issue.
"The house reiterates that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, including the territory under illegal occupation of Pakistan, is and shall always be an integral part of India. Any attempt from any quarter to interfere in the internal affairs of India will be met resolutely and with complete unity of our nation." - Indian Parliament's resolution
Madam, I have seen many articles like yours in the last few years. All these look good on paper. Let me tell you something practical.
in 1990s when you started sending terrorists to Kashmir, India was not an emerging power. Still India survived that phase. Today in 2013, India is in a much better position, both economically and diplomatically. So anybody who thinks that terrorist activities can force India to talk regarding Kashmir is naive. In fact the more the terrorist activities, the stronger India becomes diplomatically ( in international community).
Further no political party in India can survive if they agree to UN plebiscite. Hence this is a non starter.
I believe the only practical solution is....make LOC the international border and then develop a mechanism to let people from both sides of Kashmir to mingle with each other.
Else things will continue as it is now. Pakistan can not take Kashmir from India by military action. As India grows economically and trade relations with other countries increase, none of the major power centers of today ( US, China, EU and Russia) will put any major pressure on India for a UN plebiscite. They will simply keep quite or will give a statement here and there and business will be as usual. You have written this article in 2013. You will be writing the same article in 2025. We will fight with each other in the comment section and then go home. Life goes on......
What would you like the Kashmiris to vote about? Joining Pakistan or India? Independence? Splitting the state between India and Pakistan? Unifying the state and having substantial autonomy within India? The same, but with Pakistan having a role in guaranteeing human rights?
It's all very well to say let's find out what the Kashmiris want, but the Kashmiris can't agree on what they want, and the separatist/azadi groups refuse to join with other Kashmiris to discuss and formulate a joint plan or even options for voting.
To resolve the Kashmir issue, the Kashmiris themselves need to take the lead. At present, they are locked in impasse. Pakistan and India need to encourage the separatists and other groups, including those in Jammu, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, to come up with a solution everyone can agree upon. It can be done, but not while everyone refuses to budge.
Well-written! Get ready for some serious bashing now.
Madam, I regret to inform you that this 'India Friendship Club' is as much a myth as the others that you have helped perpetuate through this piece. India is not asking for friendship, only that you mind your own business; as you correctly mentioned, the UN resolution calls for Pakistan to withdraw its military from the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Once that is done and the parts of PoK and G-B are restored to their status pre-1947 (all settlers from outside vacated), pls give us a call.
Lets revisit the "Kashmir" issue after the Americans leave.
Well, what to say when there is a double talk: Say one and do other. It is not as simple my dear as presented. People at the top are not fools. Pakistan's double standard came obviously in limelight when the G N Fai was put behind bars. Pakistan is an aggressor. They will never rest in peace. What is happening in Bangladesh today and who is behind the mayhem of Hindus for nothing. Who are Jamaat and BNP? Thanks for persevering...
The author is talking about human rights--- look at your country has your so called independent media report how many innocent people killed in operations of pakistan in swat, south wasiristan operation of pakistan military.
Every year 2000 people killed only in karachi and responsible people run the govt. -- first improve yourself first.
And Kahmire problem can only be solved if expert of terrorist will stop and deactivation of terrorist but not by tolding the terrorist that we face internal difficulty now so don't boil out the borders for sometime.
Thanks for stating the fact that Pakistan should unilaterally withdraw its army from kashmir before the plebiscite could be held.... Most of your citizens are still thinking that Nehru rejected the UN resolution even though he was the one who ran all the way instead of allowing Manekshaw take care of the situation... It has been said that during 1950s,Pakistan changed the demographics of POK by a huge influx of Punjabi Muslims so that they will remain loyal to Pakistan in case India attempted to take over POK by army..But India instead passed article 370 which made sure that the internal demographics are not changed...
Also,you have mentioned about the presence of Indian military,but you conveniently forgot that there was very less army presence till 1990s when the Muslims started butchering and driving out the Pandits..
Personally,I would rather go for a plebiscite than holding Kashmir for long,but I'm not sure if Pakistan is ready for that even though they always talk about it...