In our recent history Kashmir remains the most ignored and lingering dispute still awaiting a concrete firm solution, why the world ignored Kashmir resolution? It may be because it didn't affect the world powers and their interests, it didn't carry any strategic value for them, they didn't feel any threat emanating from that region to their interests, and most probably because this dispute has long been paraded under the facade of "bilateral issue". Even when it has already been two decades that the subcontinent went nuclear, the world didn't feel threatened what could be the consequences of a war between two arch rivals, who have already fought wars / skirmishes over it as early as February 2019, the defacto line of control or cease fire line, very often remains hostile. Considering how fast demographic and behavioral changes are occurring in this region, the need for resolution of this dispute should be put on fast track. The author doesn't wish to indulge in childish remarks about nuclear options, but God Forbid, if ever that happens it won't be just this region suffering from it, it would bring the whole world to a chaos and may be the dooms day. So if the world still treats it as a bilateral issue, that would be a grave negligence, Kashmir now needs to be treated accordingly and paid the appropriate attention it warrants.
The purpose of this writing is not to debate the history of Kashmir, the nature of the conflict and what has already happened in the past, the author intends to look and search for the most possible humanitarian solution.
People of Kashmir like any other people on this planet should be given the Right to Self Determination, this was promised to them by the United Nations and it is the first step towards any solution that follows it. Just a soft reminder, their right to self determination is not the solution in itself, but a right to determine a solution for themselves.
In my limited knowledge and understanding I can only fathom following four solutions
1. Jamu And Kashmir attain independence and elect their own independent government:
It is the most optimistic solution, a solution that would be agreed upon by everyone under normal circumstances, but its viability is doubtful, Pakistan has experienced Bangladesh, and how it later became a vassal state and propaganda mouthpiece, and we all know what happened to Afghanistan after USSR retreat. The possibility of infighting and falling prey to undue influence of the bigger neighbors is more than there. This solution can only be sustained and implemented successfully, if a neutral peace force keeps its presence in Kashmir region till the time they have elected a government of their own and their state has started functioning and has assumed its administrative role. It is also very pertinent to mention here that the nationalist voices in both IOK and Azad Kashmir haven't been able to get a firm grip, but the possibility of them turning their minority into majority is very much possible.
2. Turning the Cease Fire Line into an international Border:
This would totally ignore Kahsmiri's right to self determination and would actually be against more of a selfish solution on part of Pakistan and India. However, would it be viable and promise no future conflict between the two? that no one can guarantee. Plus considering the rise of Hindu nationalism and religious intolerance in main land India, the possibility of major demographic change in Kashmir and oppression of Kashmiris is imminent, the region would remain in turmoil and Pakistan would still be facing threat to its interests, for Pakistan its not the Kashmiri people only, the region itself holds strategic value. Unless the Indian nationalist government somehow miraculously stops that from happening, this solution doesn't hold any solution in itself. Here one should also consider that GCC and Saudis exercise influence on India (they can deny that all they want), they very cordial relations with India, they can extract the most beneficial outcome for Kashmiris and aid in their uplifting, along with reaching a compromise between India and Pakistan and secure guarantees for both.
3. Kashmir Joins Pakistan
The popular slogan in Pakistan and some parts of Kashmir "Kashmir banay ga Pakistan" (Kashmir will become part of Pakistan). The possibility of India agreeing to this remains very minimal, and in all honesty Pakistan also doesn't seem ready and prepared for it. This may be satisfying for the emotional attachment Pakistanis have with Kashmiri people, but administratively a lot of work needs to be done, and Pakistan would have to give some huge guarantees and assurances to its arch rival India, which may or may not be acceptable by both the populace and political leadership of that country.
4. Kashmir is handed over to China and Arabs
Sounds impossible and an out of thin air solution, but it may very well be most beneficial and long lasting solution.
The members are most welcome to share their views, comments and solutions. This writing still lacks lots of substance and may very well be deprived of facts, but its a genuine attempt and an intent to start a discussion. My personal view is the resolution of this dispute is most feasible now then ever. Ruling political leadership in both countries holds much sway over their populace to turn a not so popular policy and solution into the most popular one.
The purpose of this writing is not to debate the history of Kashmir, the nature of the conflict and what has already happened in the past, the author intends to look and search for the most possible humanitarian solution.
People of Kashmir like any other people on this planet should be given the Right to Self Determination, this was promised to them by the United Nations and it is the first step towards any solution that follows it. Just a soft reminder, their right to self determination is not the solution in itself, but a right to determine a solution for themselves.
In my limited knowledge and understanding I can only fathom following four solutions
1. Jamu And Kashmir attain independence and elect their own independent government:
It is the most optimistic solution, a solution that would be agreed upon by everyone under normal circumstances, but its viability is doubtful, Pakistan has experienced Bangladesh, and how it later became a vassal state and propaganda mouthpiece, and we all know what happened to Afghanistan after USSR retreat. The possibility of infighting and falling prey to undue influence of the bigger neighbors is more than there. This solution can only be sustained and implemented successfully, if a neutral peace force keeps its presence in Kashmir region till the time they have elected a government of their own and their state has started functioning and has assumed its administrative role. It is also very pertinent to mention here that the nationalist voices in both IOK and Azad Kashmir haven't been able to get a firm grip, but the possibility of them turning their minority into majority is very much possible.
2. Turning the Cease Fire Line into an international Border:
This would totally ignore Kahsmiri's right to self determination and would actually be against more of a selfish solution on part of Pakistan and India. However, would it be viable and promise no future conflict between the two? that no one can guarantee. Plus considering the rise of Hindu nationalism and religious intolerance in main land India, the possibility of major demographic change in Kashmir and oppression of Kashmiris is imminent, the region would remain in turmoil and Pakistan would still be facing threat to its interests, for Pakistan its not the Kashmiri people only, the region itself holds strategic value. Unless the Indian nationalist government somehow miraculously stops that from happening, this solution doesn't hold any solution in itself. Here one should also consider that GCC and Saudis exercise influence on India (they can deny that all they want), they very cordial relations with India, they can extract the most beneficial outcome for Kashmiris and aid in their uplifting, along with reaching a compromise between India and Pakistan and secure guarantees for both.
3. Kashmir Joins Pakistan
The popular slogan in Pakistan and some parts of Kashmir "Kashmir banay ga Pakistan" (Kashmir will become part of Pakistan). The possibility of India agreeing to this remains very minimal, and in all honesty Pakistan also doesn't seem ready and prepared for it. This may be satisfying for the emotional attachment Pakistanis have with Kashmiri people, but administratively a lot of work needs to be done, and Pakistan would have to give some huge guarantees and assurances to its arch rival India, which may or may not be acceptable by both the populace and political leadership of that country.
4. Kashmir is handed over to China and Arabs
Sounds impossible and an out of thin air solution, but it may very well be most beneficial and long lasting solution.
The members are most welcome to share their views, comments and solutions. This writing still lacks lots of substance and may very well be deprived of facts, but its a genuine attempt and an intent to start a discussion. My personal view is the resolution of this dispute is most feasible now then ever. Ruling political leadership in both countries holds much sway over their populace to turn a not so popular policy and solution into the most popular one.
