Kashmir and Peace in South Asia
By Mamoona Ismail

KASHMIR crisis is a continuous bone of contention between Pakistan and India. It is a source of permanent tension in the South Asian region for past fifty-seven years. There is a need of holding bilateral talks between the contending parties. Dialogue undoubtedly is an effective approach for finding solution to complex issues like that of Jammu and Kashmir. It is so regrettable that Indian intelligentsia and bureaucracy instead of addressing the fundamental problem and core issue of Kashmir, is focusing on the endnotes. In this process they have been continuously misleading their nation about the real situation in Indian held Jammu and Kashmir.

The history of human atrocities in Indian held Kashmir is extremely terrible and miserable. Indian troops are not only creating havoc for the innocent Kashmiris but also destroying their properties, houses, Mosques, Shrines and Sacred places. The history of disrespect of Mosques and Shrines is full of heart throbbing events. Tens of thousands of people have been consumed by bullets and hundreds of martyr’s gravesites have come up all along the state. Hardly a day passes without a Kashmiri not being killed by Indian security force. Kashmir valley is been splashed with the blood of innocent people everyday and the average death toll has been raised up to 300 people per month. The dignity of a common Kashmiri was torn into shreds in 1847, when the British sold it for only seven Nanak Shahi Rupees to Dogra rulers. Ever since that day its dignity was never restored.

Pakistan’s empathic understanding to the miseries of Kashmiri people is not hidden from the world. It has repeatedly conveyed the world community to take notice of human atrocities in Kashmir so that people of the Valley should be given right of self-determination. Pakistani stance always remained irritating for India therefore Kashmir crisis remained a continuous bone of contention and permanent source of tension in the South Asian region. Bilateral dialogue between Pakistan and India is a useful method for finding solution to intricate issues like Jammu and Kashmir. There is need of flexibility in Indian attitude on the issue of Kashmir. India should listen to the wishes and desires of Kashmiri people who want self-determination. In current world scenario no country can rule people against their desires or through force. Autonomy and Government is of those who are chosen by inhabitants of the State.

The festering problem in Jammu & Kashmir is the root cause of all conflicts and bloodshed in South Asia. It has resulted in three wars between India and Pakistan during past fifty-seven years. Even today the situation remains precarious along the Cease-Fire Line (CFL) in Jammu and Kashmir where India and Pakistan troops are usually locked in virtual state of war. The situation has the potential to get out of control by sheer accident or miscalculation. Any such eventuality would have grave implications for the future of one-fifth of humanity, which lives, in the region.

It is particular so after nuclear detonations by India and followed by Pakistan in May 1998. After nuclear test explosions, the Security Council adopted a resolution on 6 June 1998, in the last paragraph of which the Council called upon Pakistan and India to resume dialogue on the root cause of tension between them specifically mentioning Kashmir. Kashmir remains one of the oldest dispute on the United Nations (UN) agenda. The UN has been instrumental in solving thorny and difficult issues in East Timor and Bosnia. Paradoxically Kashmir has never received the attention or serious efforts of the world body, for reasons best known to the permanent members of the Security Council. Kashmir remains an enigma and a mystery which world leaders have failed miserably to resolve.

While exploring the historical notes it is obvious that it was India that had taken the Kashmir dispute to the United Nations. The Security Council resolved that the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir would be solved through free, fair and impartial plebiscite held under the UN auspices. India is a signatory to the resolution.

In addition to statements of Indian representative at the UN before the Security Council, India’s founding father and first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru repeated his previous assurances more elaborately by saying. “Kashmir is not the property of India or Pakistan. It belongs to Kashmiri people. When Kashmir acceded to India, we made it clear to the leaders of (the) Kashmiri people that we would ultimately abide by the verdict of their plebiscite, and if they tell us to walk out, I would have no hesitation in quitting Kashmir. We have taken the issue to the United Nations and given our word of honour for a peaceful solution. As a great nation, we cannot go back on it. We have left the question for final solution to the people of Kashmir and we are determined to abide by their decision” Amrit Bazar Patrika, Calcutta 02 January, 1952.

Regrettably India back tracked on its solemn commitments to the Kashmiri people and the world and resorted to illegal unilateral measures to annex the state. Her occupation forces comprising of more than 700,000 Indian Army and about 50,000 State Police are perpetrating serious crimes and inhuman atrocities, massacres, extra-judicial killings, custodial deaths, arbitrary detentions, torture, burning villages and townships and the use of rape an as instrument of suppression. According to reports by Amnesty International and information collated for the last twelve years by the Azad Government of the State of Jummu and Kashmir; Over 70,000 persons killed. Over 18,000 female’s ages (7-70) have been molested. Over 106,000 persons injured. Over 29,000 houses and shops set on fire.

On October 31, 1947, just four days after forcible occupation, the Prime Minister of India sent a telegram to the Prime Minister of Pakistan: Our assurance that we shall withdraw our troops from Kashmir as soon as peace and order is restored. And leave the decision regarding the future of the State to the people of the State, is not merely a promise to your Government, but also to the people of the Kashmir and to the world. (Jawahar Lal Nehru, Telegram No 25, October 31, 1947). Pakistan always extended moral, diplomatic, political and humanitarian support to Kashmiris in their just struggle for self-determination, which is their inalienable right duly recognized by the world community.

President General Pervez Musharraf’s address on 12th January 2002 also represents Pakistan’s fair stance and full support to Kashmiris. He stated, “Kashmir runs in our blood. No Pakistani can afford to severe links with Kashmir.

The entire Pakistan and the world know this. We will continue to extend our moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. We will never budge an inch from our principle stand on Kashmir. The Kashmir problem needs to be resolved by dialogue and peaceful means in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and the United Nations resolutions.” The will of Kashmiri people will prevail and this will make the South Asian region a secure and peaceful place for everyone.●

© 2005 Mamoona Ismail