The writer has recently retired from the World Bank. He has a PhD from Imperial College in London
All this comes against the backdrop of positive developments over the last several months where the ground was being prepared for reopening the dialogue between the two countries.
It is really important that both countries keep their eye on the ball and do not get distracted by such incidents, once again. This is exactly what the jihadi groups — who are responsible for the violent incidents on the LoC — want.
Notwithstanding the troubles mentioned above, I think the current circumstances in Pakistan are most favourable to move forward on this matter. The new government has the necessary political space and mandate, and has shown the will to do so. Very soon after Nawaz Sharif took office, he dispatched a special envoy to India to sound out the government there.
The Pakistan Army chief also made a critical statement a few months ago, saying that the major threat to Pakistan is from the Taliban and associated terrorists, rather than India. In his speech at the Pakistan Military Academy, in Kakul, he again dwelt at length on this threat and how Pakistan has no option but to meet it head on, hardly mentioning India in this context.
More importantly, if we look at the matter of Kashmir closely, we see that the interests of both Pakistan and India are surprisingly similar — both India and Pakistan want to keep control over their parts of Kashmir and both have, hopefully, realised after three wars that they cannot get the other part.
Two major opinion surveys conducted on both sides of border in Kashmir, over the period 2007-2010, have shown that less than 10 per cent of the Muslim population of Indian-occupied-Kashmir would like to join Pakistan. Likewise, Pakistani Kashmiris do not want to join India.
Therefore, it seems time has moved on and the situation on the ground has changed, since 1947. A division along the LoC, i.e., a formalisation of the status quo, is in the best interest of both India and Pakistan.
Please note that agreement on these lines only formalises the defacto situation on the ground and does not require any changes which could result in a breaking point. It would, therefore, be the easiest to implement.
In view of the high payback possible from defusing this flashpoint between two nuclear armed countries, it is imperative that political leaders of both countries (with encouragement of the international community) spend the necessary political capital to come to an agreement. It may get them the Nobel Peace Prize if they do!
Published in The Express Tribune, August 17th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (65)
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In my opinion, India Pakistan brotherly relations are not only vital to both the countries but also to achieve a respectable position on global platform. We should address the Kashmir issue bilaterally through a brotherly approach. Our approach should be on the basis of the shared history, culture, language and communities. Independence or secession would be counter-productive. The concerned party must be made to understand that secession would not be feasible. Aspirations for independance are not in sync with the security structure of both our countries. So we need to find a solution within the available scope. Formalising the LOC with some give an take based on demographics, developing a soft border with free movement of people and goods and formalities involved in doing do can be considered as a workable option. Economic development, industry, unemployment should be the focus areas. The military presence then can be curtailed to a minimum.
The emotional, cultural, economic benefits to all the parties involved would tremendous and would also boost the self-confidence and moral of all the people.
Having read the comments stream here and in the published,OPed version of the article. I have the following observations: (a) A significant number of people consider the proposal made by the author to make the LOC the international border, realistic. (b) Some people raise the question of the will of the Kashmiris. Two points here, the author does mention that the Indian Muslim Kashmiris want independence from India, The Pakistani Kashmiris have shown no desire to become independent from Pakistan. They may go along with independence if an independent Kashmir is created. However the article argues that the interests and voice of the Pakistani Kashmiris, were it to be formed ( highly unlikely), would be less than what they have in Pakistan. So they may need to think about this. (c) Given that the Indian Muslim Kashmiris do not want to join Pakistan, takes Pakistan out of the equation from a purely national interest point of view and makes this a matter between India and Indian Kashmiris. In this situation Pakistan can sympathize with the Muslim Kashmiris but can do very little other than this. This is identical to the case of the Indian Muslims. Why should Pakistan's attitude in the case of the indian Kashmiris be any different from that of its atttitude towards the other Indian muslims? (d) The articile makes the powerful point that in view of the sentiments of Indian Muslim Kashmiris towards Pakistan it is NOT in the interest of Pakistan to press for an independent Kashmir. Note the author is not saying that this is the best deal that Pakistan can get, he is saying that this course of action namely division along the LOC IS in the best interest of Pakistan. So the proposal is not making any concessions to India. (e) To the group of people who talk about other altruistic sentiments etc. I would say that the sole determinant in the calculus of international politics is national interest. Foreign policies are made on the basis of real politik.
@Sashi: About Pukhtunistan and Baluchistan, I am a pukhtun from Mardan and we never ever thought of making this thing called Pukhtunistan, have a visit to K-P and then go over to Jalalabad areas and find for your self the difference, I don't think Pukhtuns would want to take Afghan side of the burden. About Baluchistan, I know that there has been grievances by the Baluch people and they were denied their economic and political rights by the majority in Pakistan, I also know who has been supporting the insurgency over there, yes, it is serious and hopefully the political outfits in Pakistan would see to it that their fair share is given to the people and not just the Sardars. I still think that the plebiscite is the most prudent way and let the people decide their own fate in Kashmir.
I would appeal to all my Pakistani friends to read this article by Prof. Yaqoob Khan Bangash, a professor of History in a college in Lahore. he feels that the young generation is not enamoured by the Kashmir dispute as we, the old people are! http://tribune.com.pk/story/202209/time-to-forget-kashmir/ Pl do read.....
@Asif Butt: A very logical suggestion. A similar proposal was also discussed in the European Union Parliament.
To All, Can we have a survey in Pakistan (Not Kashmir). How many wants to stay in Pakistan today? You will get the answers and support for the above survey as well. I am sure less than 10% Pakistanis today want to stay in Pakistan.
Just one solution,id est,declare and make both sides of Kashmir an independent United Kashmir by the Pakistani and Indian both governments without any hesitation and interference like the other independent countries of the world and also recognize it as well......
I don't understand why should Pakistan even be a party in the whole thing. I mean what is Pakistan's role beside being a blackmailer? If it is anything, it is between Kashmir and India. Consider a hypothetical situation where India starts arming rebels in Balochistan in the name of moral support and demand that in any matter between Pakistan and Balochistan, India be made a mandatory party and if not then it would keep supporting the freedom fighters of Balochistan. How would Pakistanis crying over Kashmir would take it then?
@HAMID KAMAL: I posted one post earlier. This is from my old Jakarta Post write-up that contains the link. Quote One very important aspect of the UN resolutions which calls for a plebiscite in J&K and neither stressed by Pakistan nor highlighted by India is that the same resolution calls for a complete withdrawal of Pakistani troops from PoK as a mandatory pre- condition for holding plebiscite in J&K, thereby implying that Pakistan was the aggressor. (http:// tinyurl.com/32ua68b or www.kashmir- information.com/ historicaldocuments/112.html) However, holding the plebiscite has been rendered further difficult due to eviction under duress of the Hindu population from the valley. This eviction under duress scattered Hindus all over India and the world, thus expunging their availability to vote in a plebiscite, if and when it is held. But, the UN resolution of 1948/1949 has been superseded by the Shimla Agreement signed in July 1972 by the late Z.A. Bhutto (then president of Pakistan) and the late Indira Gandhi (then PM of India). So it has only academic value now. Unquote
@HAMID KAMAL: Hamidsahab, There was a time when one had to depend upon the 'selective' information that our respective governments chose to feed us with. But in today's era of internet and google, you can be better-and-informed if one chooses to be! Pl locate the website and read for yourself what preconditions were specified by UN. The first was for Pakistan to vacate the PoK of all its military personnel and other non-military people who were normally not living there i.e. the so-called "tribesmen", after Pakistan vacated PoK, India also was to withdraw its military from J&K, ONLY AFTER THIS plebiscite was to be held. Pakistan never complied with the first prerequisite, but (as usual) keeps blaming India for not fulfilling second and third! We are not surprised! In fact, I personally admire Pakistanis for continuously harping on plebiscite without any embarrassment when they themseves are to blame! I had given this information in one of my writeup in Jakarta Post, I can give the link if I can find it, but you also can make efforts to locate it!
I strongly agree with the author that LOC be made an international border.
If both India & Pakistan are truly sincere with the Kashmiris , then they should :-
1) Both surrender their control and give autonomy to the Kasmiris ( not an independent state).
2) India Pakistan form a combined panel to monitor and regulate Kashmire state affairs.
3) Define a timeline ( like Hon Kong) , in terms of years. Like for example give Kashmir 15 years to be under the combined Indo-Pak panel. After the 15 years Kashmir will have to vote/decide if they want to be independent or go with Pakistan or India.
4) Respect whatever decision the Kashmiris make in the end.
PLUS this is also the best way for India and Pakistan to test the sincerity for each others.
Did you see how how some poeple jumped on the idea of making the LOC as the IB between India and Pakistan. That is an Indian dream. The problem is the LOC and the problem cannot be the solution.The figure of 10% quoted by the author is inaccurate. Just go to Kashmir and see. They hate the Indian flag, they wear black armbands on 15th August, the area is in lockdown, shops are closed, more Pakistani flags can be seen than Indian flags, and the occupying force cannot commincate in the language with the locals because it they do not speak the native language and this writer wants us to believe the the bogus survey. If that is the number, than what is stopping India to honor its commitment.
Did you see how how some poeple jumped on the idea of making the LOC as the IB between India and Pakistan. That is an Indian dream. The problem is the LOC and the problem cannot be the solution.The figure of 10% quoted by the author is inaccurate. Just go to Kashmir and see. They hate the Indian flag, they wear black armbands on 15th August, the area is in lockdown, shops are closed, more Pakistani flags can be seen than Indian flags, and the occupying force cannot commincate in the language with the locals because it they do not speak the native language and this writer wants us to believe the the bogus survey. If that is the number, than what is stopping India to honor its commitment.
@S K Afridi: The article is by a Pakistani and not an Indian. The UN resolution to hold plebiscite had certain prerequisites which Pakistan never implemented for years. It is unfair to blame india for it. Finally under Simla Agreement both countries agreed to resolve Kashmir issue bilaterally. Each time a peace process is initiated, Pak army fires a salvo to derail the process. Like Punjab & Bengal was partitioned through Radcliffe Line, Kashmir was divided by raiders from Pakistan in 1947/48. Those wishing to go with Pakistan must go to POK, GB area. Dividing areas on religious lines is an utter stupidity as has been proved over the last 66 years.
Is it just me or does this dude look like Rodney Dangerfield?
@KBK
Thanks for all the hard work. But for reason to sink one needs a mind which is prepared. Sadly most of us are guided more by emotion than by cold logic.
Kashmir should go to Pakistan along with the 150 million Indian Muslims with it. That will be beneficial to India in the long run.
@saleem: This is not a fair option now because one section of people who wanted Kashmir to be within India were thrown out of Kashmir long time back. Secondly, It would be a geopolitical disaster considering the location of Kashmir as it is, it will turn in to a sweet heaven for fundamentalist,jihadis etc to wage war. One section of the Muslim with separatist ideologies that works in Valley alone is fueling the Azadi sentiments. Ladakh & Jammu are just scapegoats who are tormented under the Kashmir valley political hegemony.
Here is an even simpler way to solve the Kashmir dispute doctor sahib. Hold plebicite in Kashmir (Pakistani and Indian areas) and ask the Kashmiris what do they really want, Pakistan, India or a nation of their own.
@Sa I do not know about Pakistan, but, India has no problem in accepting the LOC as the permanent border if Pakistan accepts the same. Then, we all know Pakistani army and jehadi forces will never allow that to happen and will continue with ter foolish dream of concurring Kashmir, which will never come true seeing the economic and military power of India as well as the previous war results between 2 countries.
@Ali Tanoli, Alisahab, Please open the link to see details of who and from where were talked to to get their opinion. It waill take some time to study the report. If you don't read it and wish to pass comments off the cuff, I can't help you! http://www.ipsos-mori.com/Assets/Docs/Polls/kashmir-paths-to-peace-weighted-computer-tables.pdf
9 Conclusion The complete set of tables can be consulted on the Ipsos Mori website (http://www.ipsos-mori.com/kashmir). These summary conclusions cannot show fully the complexity of many of the opinions held in Kashmir. Opinions in some areas have polarized into different positions on either side of the Line of Control. In others the broad percentages on both sides of the LoC may be similar but mask wide geographical or social differences in attitudes. Despite the complexity, some conclusions are clear. 81% say unemployment is the most significant problem facing Kashmiris (66% in AJK, 87% in J&K). Government corruption (22% AJK and 68% J&K), poor economic development (42% AJK, 45% J&K), human rights abuses (19% AJK, 43% J&K) and the Kashmir conflict itself (24% AJK, 36% J&K) are all seen as major problems. 80% of Kashmiris say that the dispute is very important to them personally. The two questions envisaged under the UN resolutions of 1948/49, which proposed a plebiscite, were restricted to the choice of the whole of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir joining India or joining Pakistan. This poll shows that preference for those options is highly polarized. 21% of the population said they would vote for the whole of Kashmir to join India, and 15% said they would vote for it to join Pakistan. Furthermore, only 1% of the population in AJK say they would vote to join India, while only 2% of the population in J&K say they would vote to join Pakistan. There is further polarization between the districts. The option of independence has been widely promoted on both sides of the LoC over the last twenty years. However, although 43% of the total population said they would vote for independence, in only five out of eighteen districts was there a majority preference for the independence of the whole of Kashmir. These results support the already widespread view that the plebiscite options are likely to offer no solution to the dispute. Nor is there evidence that an independence option could offer a straightforward alternative. Any solution will depend on the Indian and Pakistani governments’ commitment to achieving a permanent settlement. The poll suggests that such a settlement will depend critically on engaging fully with all shades of Kashmiri political opinion. The poll shows that most Kashmiris see economic problems as high on their list of priorities, most notably unemployment. Given that the conflict is likely to be exacerbating the economic problems of Kashmir, a resolution will be crucial to improving the day-to-day lives of the Kashmiri people, the vast majority of whom think, as this poll demonstrates, that the conflict is ‘very important’ to them personally.
@Ali Tanoli: Alisahab, meherbani karake jara report padhiye to? Pl read all the 37 pages. I guarantee to you that your eyes will POP! Just because you don't like the conclusions, don't malign the report. And where are pundits in the valley? All were driven out and they are now living in shantytowns in and around Delhi!
Settlement along the CFL is not a compromise.It is India's position suggeted by Pandit Nehru. What percentage of Kashmiris want to this way or that cannot be decided in newspaper articles or random surveys but through the UN solution of a plebiscite
It might be few pundit living in Anannag/Islamabad in JK where this survey was conducted.... asked peoples in sri nager asked and parts of Kashmir not Jammu.
@Ali Tanoli Alisahab, Chapter 9 on Page 35 of the 37-page report has the following conclusion: 9 Conclusion The complete set of tables can be consulted on the Ipsos Mori website (http://www.ipsos-mori.com/kashmir). These summary conclusions cannot show fully the complexity of many of the opinions held in Kashmir. Opinions in some areas have polarized into different positions on either side of the Line of Control. In others the broad percentages on both sides of the LoC may be similar but mask wide geographical or social differences in attitudes. Despite the complexity, some conclusions are clear. 81% say unemployment is the most significant problem facing Kashmiris (66% in AJK, 87% in J&K). Government corruption (22% AJK and 68% J&K), poor economic development (42% AJK, 45% J&K), human rights abuses (19% AJK, 43% J&K) and the Kashmir conflict itself (24% AJK, 36% J&K) are all seen as major problems. 80% of Kashmiris say that the dispute is very important to them personally. The two questions envisaged under the UN resolutions of 1948/49, which proposed a plebiscite, were restricted to the choice of the whole of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir joining India or joining Pakistan. This poll shows that preference for those options is highly polarized. 21% of the population said they would vote for the whole of Kashmir to join India, and 15% said they would vote for it to join Pakistan. Furthermore, only 1% of the population in AJK say they would vote to join India, while only 2% of the population in J&K say they would vote to join Pakistan. There is further polarization between the districts. The option of independence has been widely promoted on both sides of the LoC over the last twenty years. However, although 43% of the total population said they would vote for independence, in only five out of eighteen districts was there a majority preference for the independence of the whole of Kashmir. These results support the already widespread view that the plebiscite options are likely to offer no solution to the dispute. Nor is there evidence that an independence option could offer a straightforward alternative. Any solution will depend on the Indian and Pakistani governments’ commitment to achieving a permanent settlement. The poll suggests that such a settlement will depend critically on engaging fully with all shades of Kashmiri political opinion. The poll shows that most Kashmiris see economic problems as high on their list of priorities, most notably unemployment. Given that the conflict is likely to be exacerbating the economic problems of Kashmir, a resolution will be crucial to improving the day-to-day lives of the Kashmiri people, the vast majority of whom think, as this poll demonstrates, that the conflict is ‘very important’ to them personally.
The full report can be opened/downloaded from: http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Asia/0510pp_kashmir.pdf As per this report, the author Robert Bradrock, a scholar from London’s Kings College for Chatham House, has found just 2 percent of Kashmiris on the Indian side favor uniting the disputed Jammu and Kashmir territory with Pakistan, and that support amongst other groups to do so was also a minority view.
Here is the link to original survey conducted on both sides of the Kashmir by Chatham House: http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Asia/0510pp_kashmir.pdf
Kashmiris have no choice other than living in India
Actually it was me who had posted the reponse quoting Chatham House report of Kashmiri people's todays's opinion about merger with India or Pakistan. Pl open the link below to read more: http://www.2point6billion.com/news/2010/05/28/chatham-house-pakistan-option-unpopular-with-kashmiris-5787.html
Here is the link to May 2010 poll conducted by Chatham house: http://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/papers/view/109338. Million dollar question is if this was the opinion of the Kashmiri's would hardliner change their opinion and accept these results?
@Babloo: its not as simple.....we claim that kashmir is an integral part of india (i am not denying it) and pakistan look at it so too.Once this stand is removed, there could be negotiated settlement..other wise what is there to negotiate if stands are not flexible. Overall its better to to make the present LOC as permanent and give both sides of kashmir autonomy in home affairs. Other aspects may be governed according to respective national laws and policies
@naeem khan Manhattan,Ks: What I understand that Kashmiris on both sides of the border want to have an independent sovereign country.
This is not a fair option now because one section of people who wanted Kashmir to be within India were thrown out of Kashmir long time back. Secondly, It would be a geopolitical disaster considering the location of Kashmir as it is, it will turn in to a sweet heaven for fundamentalist,jihadis etc to wage war.
One section of the Muslim with separatist ideologies that works in Valley alone is fueling the Azadi sentiments. Ladakh & Jammu are just scapegoats who are tormented under the Kashmir valley political hegemony.
@ Sashi, As a Kashmiri Hindu ( Pandit ), born in Lahore where my father was a govt.official, later displaced/evacuated in a Cargo plane with my mother and sisters from Srinagar during the Kabayli attack, lodged in an Amritsar refugee camp where we were able to locate my father after about a month and having seen the changes in the valley on repeated visits till the last displacement of Pandit's Sir, I must say your analysis is spot on, TRUTH nothing but the TRUTH. No complaints we were the lucky one's and people ( on both sides ) have suffered much more. However sadly,nothing is going to happen till such time religion is used to whip up the passions, perhaps by a minority ( the size of which is increasing with time ) of the population who hold the majority to ransom. The suggestion of the Author is the best in the present circumstances which if changes will be with terrible consequences for the sub-continent. Let good sense and PEACE prevail. My good wishes to all Pakistanis.
This article is an insult to the freedom struggle and sacrifices made by the Kashmiris to get rid of the Indian yolk. I am a Kashmiri and I know for certain that the majority of the people in Kasmir want to join Pakistan and the remaining are in favour of independent Kashmir. People in India and Pakistan must realize that it is not a piece of land dispute which India and Pakistan can resolve by sharing the land according to their own wishes. This dispute pertains to the basic right of freedom of 80 million human beings who want to exercise their choice for the future of their coming generations. Pakistan and India have no right to ignore the aspirations Kashmiri people.
@ Naeem Khan, Manhattan I always read your posts with great interest. I find your thinking rational, sober and well calibrated. In this case, too, in a vacuum, I would agree with you. I have been to the Kashmir valley several times and only a delusional person will claim that the Kashmiri muslims consider themselves Indians. At the same time, not ONE of them I spoke to freely would even think of being a part of Pakistan ( irrespective of what you see orchestrated on TV). The amount of money pumped into Kashmir by the Indian government is mind boggling and just about everybody is on the take there, be it the Govt employees, mainstream politicians, separatists or bureaucracy. Ladhak and Jammu population neither want independence nor accession to Pakistan, likewise the Shia dominated areas like Kargil. Essentially, it is the Srinagar valley which wants independence. Even if this option is seriously considered, do you think China will vacate the Kashmir part handed to them by the erstwhile Pakistani dispensation? And can Pakistan handle the blowback of demands for an independent Balochistan, Pashtoonistan, etc etc which is bound to happen if a precedent is set with Kashmir. A simple act of creating the Telengana State ( province, as you call it) in India has rent undivided Andhra Pradesh asunder with Andhraties baying for each others' blood. With Telengana as a precedent, 10 more statehood demands have surfaced violently in India, so, can an Independent Republic of Kashmir really be a practical solution?!? I wouldn't bet my money on it!!!
@ModiFied: Thank you !!!!
@Mir Agha: " ... If one is being honest, no need to include Ladakh and Hindu-majority districts in Jammu or Gilgit-Baltistan. Focus on AJK and Muslim-majority districts in IOK. ... "
Any division of Kashmir on grounds of religion will precipitate the exodus of Kashmiri Muslims from Jammu and Ladakh. Many of the more radical elements in India will not allow Muslims to stay back in these areas.
Agreed . If 65yrs of talks and 4 wars have not moved the line on the ground it is better to accept the line as final and move on . We are poor countries there is lot of back breaking poverty which also needs to be tackled we can not let the Kashmir issue condemn the poor to eternal poverty .
Pakistan needs to understand that one advantage that Pakistan will have if it settles for LoC as border is that there would not be fear of losing gilgit and baltistan to India. After 1971, India returned lot of territory to Pakistan but did not return the Kargil district because it was not across an international border. In another war, India could potentially repeat that and India has eyes on Skardu.
Very practical solution suggested by the author. India will never accept any division based upon religion, Muslims need to learn to live peacefully with others. I have no problem with either Muslims or Pakistan, but in my view the creation of Pakistan on religious grounds was a bad thing for Muslims as well Hindus. Division might have solved few problems, but it created many more problems. Kashmir, water, transit trade are all created problems out of division and will linger on for ever.
Did you ask the people of Kashmir on both sides what do they want . If some polls say that less than 10% Kashmiris on Indian side would like to join Pakistan, you neglected to mention the rest of 90%, what do they want. What I understand that Kashmiris on both sides of the border want to have an independent sovereign country. There are countries smaller than Kashmir which are sovereign and members of the UN. I would say let them decide and if they want independent country of their own then both India and Pakistan should respect their wishes and guaranteed their sovereignty and let them be a member of the UN. India or Pakistan can not subjugate these people and eventually they will find their freedom from India and Pakistan. This will be the equatable and honorable solution to this conflict.
Author, Giving up Indian claims of soverignty over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK as we call it)is a tough sell in India. But you have started a basis for continued conversation. Regards.
Turning LoC into IB is the realistic option. So far Indians have not shown interest in reclaiming Kashmiri territory under Pakistani control. It might not remain like that forever. It will only lead to more acrimony.
Any solution to the problem has to have a basic reference to the will of Kashmiri people. The writer is perhaps not even aware of their existence.
I believe that seems the only realistic option with a big "peace" dividend for both countries especially for Kashmiris. Those who hold on to the old view of plebiscite have the blinders on, Pakistan will not vacate the POK part it occupies, a large of Punjabis have moved into POK. On the Indian side, how does one accomodate Kashmiri Pandits have been forced to move out with violence directed against them by various Jihadi groups. Would that mean Pakistan will be open to Plebiscite in Balochistan or Sindh or KP for that matter! Kashmiri merchants are selling their goods all over India including Cape Comorin and most of Kashmiris want peace and ability to carry on with their living.
Trying to OK the status-quo does nothing as the Kashmiris will not accept occupation by India. There will still be issues in Occupied Kashmiris which have nothing to do with Pakistan. Those same opinion polls you quote also state that people in Occupied Kashmir want independence, with over 95% stating freedom FROM India is preferable. This does not comment on Azad Jammu & Kashmir and there is no need to link it as such. Your wish that Kashmiris in Occupied Kashmir would suddenly stop their freedom movement is wishful thinking. Independent Valley with districts in AJK and Occupied Kashmir who wish to join should be able to do so. To insinuate that Pakistan's interest lies in having India occupy Kashmir flies in the face of the truth. Pakistan has no issue with Kashmiris (including AJK) deciding their future as they see fit, including and up to independence. If one is being honest, no need to include Ladakh and Hindu-majority districts in Jammu or Gilgit-Baltistan. Focus on AJK and Muslim-majority districts in IOK.
I was born in Anantnag, J&K and I never want to be a part of Pakistan. No insult but Kashmiris never want to be a part of Pakistan in general. Sometimes there are paid protesters and such but if the curfews end life would be back to normal and everyone will just forget Pakistan until another terrorist Incident. I would like to see peace and visit other side.
ET please don't delete.
Sir, Very balanced article. In my view Kashmir issue can be resolved to the satisfaction all three parties, namely, India, Pakistan, and Kashmiris through a peaceful dialogue in a right kind of atmosphere. During Vajpayee rule we came very close to resolving this issue, however, Kargil adventure of Musharraf spoiled it all. We can still resolve this issue if a right kind of atmosphere is created by Pakistan for dialogue. The atmosphere should be free from any kind of terror from Jihadi groups and there should be peace on the border. We need to bridge the trust deficit between the two countries first. I want to say that India is even ready to compromise its position to the satisfaction of Pakistanis and Kashmiris if Pakistani military abandons their hostile attitude towards us. Sky is the limit if both sides sincerely work towards peace. Incidents like Mumbai attacks or killing of soldiers only fuel anti-Pakistan sentiment in India. We must make sure that these kinds of things don’t happen again. We, the people of India, have a lot of affection for the people of Pakistan and we want to resolve all the disputes peacefully once and for all. Let us create a right kind of environment for the dialogue. I appeal to the Pakistani military to give peace a chance and stop supporting militancy in Kashmir. For at the end of the day it’s the Kashmirirs who suffer. I once again appeal everyone to resolve all the issues between India and Pakistan through a peaceful dialogue. Let us write a new chapter in India-Pakistan relations. Best Regards!
Lol the people in indian occupied kashmir never wanted and dont want to be with india. They want to be free, independent. And yes if that aint feasible then they would prefer being with pakistan anyday than india.
Worth repeating - one of those "elephant in the rooms" that Pakistani's don't like to see. Fact is there are more Muslim's in India than Pakistan and those Muslim's prefer to stay in India - suppose some might consider that a slap in the face to the entire concept of Pakistan.
Make LOC IB border we agree please try to convince your generals
This article seems to have been written by the Indian foreign office with a specific agenda behind it. Kashmir dispute primarily pertains to the provision of universally accepted right of self determination to the people of Kashmir, to be exercised by them under an impartial arrangement.Fake surveys carried out by biased organizations cannot form the basis of any lasting solution. I don't think the writer has any knowledge of Kashmiri's freedom struggle in which they have sacrificed more than 75000 young men. If the results the so called surveys had any value, India would have straightaway accepted the holding of Plebiscite. In my opinion it is the will of the people of Kashmir which should be the deciding factor. If through an independent plebiscite it is established the people of Kashmir want to remain as part of the Indian union then who are we to prevent them from doing so.
what was the source of survey and who conducted and how many persons being parcipated and how will one can believe that 10%??????? after what we see every 15th Agosto marked black day in azad Jammu & Kashmir.
This proposal should come from Pakistan and they may find a willing India.
10% are u sure doctor sahib???????
''A division along the LoC, i.e., a formalisation of the status quo, is in the best interest of both India and Pakistan.'' Agreed Indus treaty is working what else more?.
@Author
Good sentiments expressed but there are issues beyond Kashmir that plague ties of Pakistan and India. And neither Pakistan nor India would be happy with conversion of Loc into permanent border.