“After three wars and long periods of disagreements, it is essential that any agreement must ensure that the Line of Control is like a border between any two normal states.", Lambah. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
“After three wars and long periods of disagreements, it is essential that any agreement must ensure that the Line of Control is like a border between any two normal states. There can be no redrawing of borders," Lambah said, addressing a seminar in Srinagar.
"The essential prerequisite is that there has to be an end to hostility, violence and terrorism," he added in reference to how a solution to the Kashmir issue would increase security in India, making it a more stable and peaceful country in the region.
Lambah said that a solution to the Kashmir issue would also lead to Pakistan being able to contribute to the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Lambah added that removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers would would further boost trade between the divided sides of the LoC.
"These expected gains from a solution may not be automatic and will require sustained efforts. But, if it opens the door to new future for India and Pakistan, without compromising our security, integrity and constitutional framework, it is worth pursuing," Mr Lambah said.
"I have had the privilege of working with six Prime Ministers of India on matters relating to Pakistan in the last 35 years. Each one of them had given priority to improving relations with Pakistan. At the highest level of the government, there has always been interest, readiness and resolve. This has helped us to move forward," he said.
Ruling out violence as a method to solve the issue of the disputed region, Lambah said ".... as the past six decades have clearly shown, the Kashmir issue cannot be settled by war, force or violence. A solution will also remain elusive if we keep harping on positions that have failed to resolve the problem in the past,"
No third party has been involved in the efforts that India and Pakistan are taking in regard to a solution to Kashmir, Lambah said.
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I think Kashmiris should realise economically it is much better to be aligned with India and it should seriously consider a bordered solution. Enough of violence and vested interests both internally and externally creating chaos. The key is to have an economic future regardless of which country you side.
Mr.Lambah does not represent India's views. It is his own personal view. India will not accept the LoC as a border. Kashmir has been a part of India since the dawn of civilization that spans over 5000 years. Religions have come and gone in this timespan but that cannot be the basis for redrawing boundaries.
@Raies: People of Kashmir like you absolutely have a right to decide their future and they are totally free to do so. No one is stopping them or holding them hostage. But the land of Kashmir will ETERNALLY be INDIAN TERRITORY. So your choices are simple.....either stay in Indian Kashmir or migrate out of it!!!!