The Kashmir issue, viewed from first principles

by Sanjeev Sabhlok

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Freedom First has recently completed an extensive discussion on Kashmir, but in my order of things to write on, Kashmir has only now come up. I have seen the results of the discussions on Freedom First, and this article reflects a consolidated view I have formed after decades of thinking about the Kashmir issue. I hope this article provides a useful framework for consideration of this challenging issue.

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Tensions pulling in opposite directions

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The philosophy of freedom generates two fundamental tensions in relation to nations: one centripetal, the other centrifugal. The first is the territorial principle; the other people-focused. The first relates to national integrity, the other to individual sovereignty and freedom.

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In the draft manuscript Discovery of Freedom (http://discovery.sabhlokcity.com/) I call the territorial domain the fortress. No society can be free if its borders are not well defined and well-defended. But note that in creating national boundaries no civilized principle applies: only brute force. Life is the survival of the fittest. A nation that loses control over territory loses it permanently. Nothing more can be done about it. There is no court of appeal.

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The second vital tension relates to the purpose of a nation. Nations are not sovereign; their people are. National boundaries are merely matters of our convenience. We create nations so our taxes can be used within a particular geographical boundary and not be spent randomly on Eskimos. Nations are about a practical social contract, not about land worship.

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There is yet another tension, that of history. In the case of Kashmir, we need to be aware of India’s commitments and treaties. We also need to put ourselves in the shoes of affected people: the Muslims who work within the J&K government and support India, and Kashmiri Pandits who have been forced at gunpoint to flee Kashmir.

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Let me discuss these issues further.

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1. The fortress

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India’s partition was essentially a communal award. Pakistan is the only purely Islamic nation. That religion as a basis for nations is totally unworkable is irrelevant now. Our ancestors thought it was. We should take that as a given. In addition, there was a role for the princely states who could choose independence, or accede to either India or Pakistan.

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The Muslim ruler of Hindu majority Junagarh (that borders India and Pakistan) acceded to Pakistan. India did not accept this, took over Junagarh by force after which a 1948 plebiscite confirmed Junagarh being part of India. Similarly, India rejected the Nizam of Hyderabad’s desire to maintain a separate nation. Brute force is consistent with the way national boundaries are determined and so liberalism has nothing to say on the merits of these cases.

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When the Hindu raja of Muslim majority Kashmir fled Srinagar under conditions of chaos and anarchy, he notionally acceded to India. Nehru flew planes into Srinagar and took over the Valley, contradicting the communal award (Kashmir being a Muslim-majority territory), but that was permitted as part of the partition arrangements outlined above. Pakistani troops, on the other side, took over Azad Kashmir through tribals acting as their front. Kashmir was divided.

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Unfortunately, Nehru did not close the matter vigorously, regardless of the pros and cons of the situation. Instead, he agreed to cease hostilities but committed to a plebiscite, a commitment that he repeated on every possible occasion. Such idealism, inconsistent with a liberal’s understanding of territory and nationhood, cost India dearly through the subsequent confusion it generated in everyone’s mind.

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Idealism and emotions have no place in considerations of national territory. Azad Kashmir, being within Pakistan’s control, must now be formally treated as a part of Pakistan unless we want to attack this nuclear power. Similarly, India must firmly insist that Kashmir valley is Indian territory and withdraw its complaint to the UN.

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In considering the future of Kashmir we must ask that if Kashmir were to become independent (assuming Pakistan agreed) would it be sustainable? Even the most cursory analysis shows it wont’. Leaving aside the innate instability of Pakistan which will never permit to remain independent, even China will seek to use it as a base to intervene in India. So the case for India is clear. Freeze the boundaries, redraw the maps, and, if possible, take back the Karakoram highway from China.

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2. Sovereignty of individuals

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The liberal is firm that nations are subordinate to individuals. We the sovereign individuals delegate our powers to nations, not the other way around. The purpose of nations – to ensure our freedoms – must be served, else their existence is meaningless. So the next question, once international boundaries are fixed, is this: Do the current arrangements defend and protect the freedoms of all Indians, including those who live in Kashmir?

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In BFN (online notes) I wrote: “Forcing people to stay with us at the point of a gun is not the way to grow either our children or others’ children.” Unless the people of Kashmir feel convinced that they are fully respected and that their freedoms are respected, imposing the concept of India on them would amount to a violation of the social contract. Kashmiris must be genuinely free, else there is no point having them integrate with India.

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But how can the people of Kashmir be free if Indians are not free! Indian governments have been wedded to the failed policies of socialism for over sixty years. India continues to be a statist society with too many barriers to freedom and prosperity. None cares even remotely for our freedoms. So how can such gangsters ensure anyone else’s freedom? We have the most obtuse colonial governance system one can imagine, that has almost made India a failed state. How can a miserably misgoverned nation like India provide freedom to anyone, leave alone Kashmir?

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Given half a chance, everyone in India (including Kashmiris) makes a beeline for permanent residency visas for USA, UK, Australia, because India has nothing to offer to anyone but misgovernance and corruption. When all India has to offer us are gangsters who loot us, who in his right mind wants to be part of this madhouse that calls itself a “nation”?

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Having established international boundaries firmly, I therefore don’t recommend integrating Kashmir as an immediate action, but liberating the whole of India (including Kashmir) first. Let’s change the game. If freedom and prosperity can be assured to everyone, the Kashmiris will want to remain with India. Else this will remain an illiberal and anti-people arrangement.

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In particular, if people can't be free in India and must be imposed upon by Hindu fanatics then the concept of India becomes totally irrelevant. What such people want is a Hindu state. In that case not more than a handful of high quality Indians will remain behind. The claims of BJP regarding Kashmir are untenable if they simultaneously want to impose Hinduism or Hindu conceptions on India.

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Let's all become clear first - that India is a country for all Indians who must be free to lead the kind of life they wish. Else the conception of India is untenable. It can't be held together by force. That is impossible. If anything can unite India, it is the idea of freedom. Nothing less will do. With freedom and associated wealth, Kashmiris will become desperate to remain in India, and its integration will be complete.

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3. Historical evolution

The third perspective about Kashmir considers its unique history. Apart from the confusing commitments to a plebiscite, Kashmir’s accession to India was not done properly. Kashmir continues to have a separate constitution and Article 370 of the Indian Constitution gives it a privileged status. That is totally inappropriate.

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Regarding the many things that Nehru said and committed to, and other subsequent treaties, I have now come to the view that these are now irrelevant, having been overtaken by many other events. Time doesn't stand still, so we can't go back. We must now treat the water that has already flowed, as having flowed and gone forever. New solutions are needed, with a focus on freedom and good governance. In that lies Kashmir's salvation. In that lies India's salvation and future.

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Conclusion

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Kashmir must be firmly treated as a part of India. But its full integration must not be done at gunpoint. Instead, we must offer Kashmiris (and all Indians) genuine freedom. The following must be ensured, simultaneously: (a) all areas in India must be treated on par; (b) all Indians must be treated on par (ie. reservations must go); (c) all poverty must be eliminated; (d) all corruption must go; and (e) total freedom (subject to accountability) must be ensured.

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This will mean giving everyone the freedom to trade and live anywhere in India. This freedom doesn’t yet exist, such as in many NE states and tribal areas. All these qualifications on Indians’ liberties must go. By abolishing special privileges for Kashmir and other areas, free movement of all Indians into Kashmir (and other areas) will be ensured, just as Kashmiris can move anywhere else in India and acquire property should they so desire.

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Once all these freedoms are simultaneously assured, the Indians in Kashmir will appreciate and welcome the benefits of living in free India. The full integration of Kashmir will then be achieved seamlessly, without force.

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For that to happen, a liberal political party must take charge of policy making in India. Only the liberals can resolve the many intractable problems that India faces.

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Freedom Team of India

The Freedom Team of India (http://freedomteam.in/) is engaged in the effort to bring freedom and good governance to India, a task in which Indian liberals are invited to join. Become a Freedom Partner!

MR. SANJEEV SABHLOK can be contacted at sabhlok@yahoo.com

Some More Options for Kashmir

By Col LK Anand Retd

With all the mess on the Kashmir issue already having been accumulated in the past six decades, through actions and inactions of various parties, no tangible solutions appear to be in sight at least for the present or even in the near future. It is difficult to say that the minds of those interested in Kashmir would change overnight and the problems will get sorted out soon, on the contrary there are more chances that the present instability would persist. Under such unfavourable circumstances now prevailing in Kashmir, there appears hardly any chance of talks by interlocutors or similar mediators, with the separatists or the Kashmir population succeeding.

As such, India can ill afford any further complacency on this issue and must set its own house in order, and display toughness and strength in all spheres. There should be no room for us to be cowed down by the threats from Pakistan, on the basis of their Nuclear ability, as also support from China militarily. It is a known fact, that everyone tries to intimidate those displaying weak or indifferent stance. It is also doubtful that Obama can or would do anything, except to eventually supply more arms and aid to Pakistan.

It is strongly felt that Indian government should gradually try out the following tough measures in the order listed, to commence process of reconciliation amongst the population of Kashmir as well as strengthen and consolidate its own hold and control on the State. This posture is not aimed at waging war or hostilities but is for ensuring safety of Kashmiri population from terrorist activities and internal feuds, as well as for preventing lawlessness and ensuring Indian control in the Valley :-

( a ) Presence of Indian security forces in Kashmir, under the command of Army leadership, be enhanced by two to three folds if not more. AFSPA should remain applicable as heretofore to deal with terrorism and such activities breeding within the precincts of the State and from across the LOC.

( b ) All borders with Pakistan (especially POK) and China be totally sealed to allow zero infiltration into Indian territory from across the border. Border Security Force assisted by Army, if required, could be employed for this task.

( c ) All talks with Pakistan’s leadership should be totally suspended till they hand over the Indian territory (POK) forcibly occupied by them in 1948, stop singing the tune of Kashmir problem as an international problem, and to cease all violations of LOC. We can certainly do without unfriendly Pakistan who does not respect India’s territorial integrity, peaceful and friendly attitude.

( d ) Along with improvement in conventional warfare capability, India must side by side also substantially enhance its Nuclear ability and delivery systems to develop required degree of deterrence. It is not that we have to go on war, but no neighbour should have the courage to intimidate us by resorting to misadventures against us. We certainly have a right and responsibility to ensure our own security, without the intervention of a third party, and there is no harm in being reckoned as a super power militarily.

( e ) Government of India should take cognizance of anti National stance and utterances of the Kashmir Chief Minister and if feasible remove him. Dissolve the assembly, if situation so warrants and impose President’s rule in the State. Under such circumstances appoint an experienced and senior military officer with advisors of his choice, as the Governor of the state, to assist the President, to maintain law and order and run the state administration.

( f ) Conditions should be created immediately, in the state for the return of all Kasmiri Pandits/Hindus or any other citizens who were compelled to move out of their motherland. Suitable, financial assistance loans etc be provided for their resettlement and rehabilitation.

( g ) UID cards (Nandan Nilekani Edition) be issued first of all, to all Kashmiri citizens, after stringent verifications. It should be ensured by carrying out thorough, house to house searches, to identify loyal citizens and to trace out the anti national elements and persons having association with terrorist groups. Such persons be suitably dealt with and if required be thrown out of Kashmir or tried by fast track courts.

( h ) All separatists and those professing anti India feelings, may be treated as traitors. Highly fast track courts be appointed to try all of them for sedition/treason, if required at places far away from Kashmir, say Andaman Nicobar or Lakshdweep etc. However, they may be given an opportunity or option to change their allegiance or affiliations, by pledging and signing a bond or move out of India (Kashmir) with bag and baggage, if they do not elect India to be their motherland.

( j ) Article 370 of the Constitution should be revoked in the State, as soon as conditions in the state normalise. Within six months of repealing it, any Indian citizen wishing to own property and settle down in the state may be permitted to do so.

( k ) The people of Kashmir irrespective of their religion be given an assurance and a feeling that they are integral part of India and have to live as Indians along with all other citizens of India, pledging allegiance to Indian Constitution.

( l ) All types of technical and financial assistance, for developing infrastructure, full assistance in developing industries of various types, their own residential complexes as well as business complexes in which they already excel and are experts, must be provided to the deserving cases.

Although, precious period of over six decades has been wasted or not properly utilised by the Indian Government, for ensuring proper welfare of Kashmir “The Paradise on Earth”, yet, even, now there is an opportunity for the Government to undo the lapses of the past, by observing a stance of strength, power and determination, with their heart and soul, for the betterment of fate of Kashmiri people.

Col LK Anand Retd
elkayanand@rediffmail.com

Published in Free Press Indore, Thursday, November 4, 2010

Shouldn’t Indian Government go to Court for Kashmir?

By Col LK Anand Retd

The problem of Kashmir is becoming more and more complicated by the day, by the intervention of various activists from different walks of life. The visit of all party delegation to Kashmir, seminar in Delhi mainly of separatists, appointment of interlocutors and some views expressed by them, have added more to the confusion, than evolving any worthwhile solutions to the Kashmir issue. Arundhati Rai, since she won the Booker Prize seems to have become an overly activist, in support of the Kashmir separatists, which seems to be keeping hardliner separatist Geelani quite happy.

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Most of what is being said these days about referendum, plebiscite or the right of self determination, is irrelevant, because, frankly speaking, accession of Kashmir to India was complete when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Accession Instrument in 1947. There cannot be and should not be two opinions about this fact. Unfortunately, Indian Government under Nehru, Indira Gandhi and their illustrious followers, due to their weak diplomacy, at a time when there was a need to be tough and strong like Sardar Patel, created a hash of the Kashmir issue over the years, and has allowed to let the situation become, as it is now.

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Pakistan has taken full advantage of the mess created by the Indian leadership, and through its clandestine and terrorist operations, by meticulously and cleverly helping certain separatist groups, has been able to motivate a fraction of Kashmiri population to raise anti India and pro Pakistan voices. Indian leaders’ sincerity in the recent past, in getting at an amicable solution, has invariably been snubbed by the deceptive and unreliable Pakistani leadership, which has given more and more courage to the separatist groups. This psychology has also influenced some pseudo patriotic Indian personalities to sing to Pakistan’s tune, as also to seek their intervention in solving Kashmir problem. I think their crime is more serious than, for what Jaswant Singh was punished and sidelined by BJP for quite some time.

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Since, as on date Kashmir is an Integral part of India, irrespective of what anyone says, I feel the Indian government should file a case in Jammu & Kashmir High Court, to decide and confirm the status of Kashmir, in view of all round doubts amongst various sections of Indian and Kashmiri population. In keeping with the performance of Allahabad High Court in Babri Masjid case, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court, can be expected to take 50 to 60 years or more to decide the case. Arundhati and Sayed Ali Shah Geelani, if not tried for sedition, may join Omar Abdullah, Dileep Padgaonkar, Ram Jethmalani and their likes to appear as witnesses. Thereafter the option of approaching the Apex Court would also be there. That should hopefully, see us all through till the 22nd Century.

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It will prevent fruitless efforts and discussions from various quarters, and keep people quiet till the court gives its verdict. It would be in keeping with the Indian Government's usual stand of indecisiveness and delaying all matters indefinitely, till they become serious and beyond control. Late Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao had also once remarked, "that indecision is also a decision". Best of all, Pakistan and China would be compelled to wait for the outcome of the Court’s verdict. India can keep a Hawk's eye on their activities in and around POK, and plan its strategy during the intervening period.
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Col LK Anand Retd
elkayanand@rediffmail.com
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This article was published in Free Press on Monday, November 1, 2010

The Kashmir Tangle – Possible Solutions? - Part - 2

Col LK Anand Retd
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The situation in Kashmir, instead of improving, is now becoming worse and even more explosive by the utterances emanating from Jammu and Kashmir. To voice concern at the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) by Kashmir’s Chief Minister, suggesting its dilution and partial withdrawal from Kashmir, making unsavoury remarks, that Kashmir is an outstanding political issue, needs to be resolved and cannot be addressed through development, employment or good governance, that the state had acceded to India and not merged, gives rise to several apprehensions and amounts to backing the separatists. Another uncalled for remark from Omar, on referring Kashmir being an issue between two neighbours has unduly internationalised the issue, by involving Pakistan, which certainly is not within his jurisdiction.

Unfortunately, the central UPA government is maintaining an unprecedented silence on this provocative activity. An all party delegation did make efforts to meet and know the minds of the leaders of the separatist groups viz Hardliner Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF leader Yasin Malik. These leaders did respond partially which helped in cutting the ice to a limited extent but without any fruitful results. It is yet another matter of shame that a seminar has been organised in Delhi, under the nose of the central government, to include hardliner separatists to promote sedition in Kashmir. Mr Arun Jaitley, has very rightly charged the Government, that “in a democracy the right to secede cannot be accepted in the garb of right to free speech”. The Indian Government by not taking any action against all these, seems to be sitting on the fence intently watching Kashmir gradually slipping out of its hold and fold.

With the uncompromising attitude conveyed by the Pakistan leaders and some terrorist groups in Pakistan and POK, voicing that sooner or later Kashmir will be with Pakistan, gives a clear cut indications of their intentions. Can India afford to be a bystander and complacent on the issue any more? I feel certainly not, and must act immediately and strongly, as a face saving measure and to snub the designs of the leadership across the borders. The policy of appeasement and dialogue heretofore adopted by the Centre has not succeeded so far and is unlikely to yield any fruitful results in future, in the back drop of ZA Bhutto and his followers, pledging 1000 years’ war with India.

A time has now come for India to display not only strength of its character but also its physical strength to silence undiplomatic posture and exuberance of Pakistan, who instead of solving its internal problems is intent upon rubbing salt into India’s all time irritant of Kashmir issue. They do not seem to have any intentions of letting India enjoy peace without tensions. There is no need for India to be cowed down by Pakistan’s Nuclear ability. Instead India should now, not only plan to substantially enhance its own Nuclear ability, but also develop or acquire delivery systems, which would be able to target each and every nook and corner of Pakistan. India should not any more, tolerate any misadventures from Pakistan by giving them stern warnings of serious consequences, once and for all. India should start emulating Israel’s example, to teach them a lesson for any act against India’s territorial integrity and personnel safety, instead of giving cowardly political statements, which the nation cannot digest anymore.

For its external or internal security, territorial integrity and personnel safety India does not require any outsider’s advice or suggestions. It has to decide and act itself after assessing the overall threat. India has more than sufficient manpower, talent and financial resources (in spite of billions abroad and in the hands of corrupt Indians) to ensure its own integrity in every field and sphere. India is likely to pay a very heavy price if it neglects or ignores or does not heed the professional advice of its defence leadership in such matters.

Our political system, which invariably depends on the exclusive advice of its bureaucracy, has invariably been let down in most spheres of national and international activity, due to deeply ingrained corrupt practices at high places, and has faced severe failures and humiliation many a times. Consequently, India’s military doctrines and capability have not only been great sufferers, but also have been seriously compromised and jeopardised over the years, posing a serious threat to India’s security.

The internal security problems increasing by leaps and bounds in various regions of India by Naxalism, Maoists’ activity and insurgency in the Eastern region, have added to India’s vows and need to be handled promptly and effectively lest they get further exaggerated. It seems doubtful that Mr Chidambaram the illustrious Home Minister has the ability and any effective solutions or plans to solve these problems, becoming more and more complicated and uncontrollable by the day. Sudden and violent loss of lives of security forces in these regions, is reflecting adversely on their leadership, capability as also on their utter helplessness.

Under such unfavourable circumstances, India can ill afford complacency and must first of all set its own house in order, and display all round strengths in all spheres. Indian government could try out the following measures in the order listed, to commence process of reconciliation amongst the population of Kashmir as well as strengthen and consolidate its own hold and control on the state:-

( a ) Presence of Indian security forces in Kashmir, under the command of Army leadership, be enhanced by two to three folds if not more. AFSPA should remain applicable as heretofore to deal with terrorism and such activities breeding within the precincts of the State and from across the LOC.

( b ) All borders with Pakistan (especially POK) and China be totally sealed to allow zero infiltration into Indian territory from across the border. Border Security Force could be employed for this task.

( c ) All talks with Pakistan’s leadership should be totally suspended till they hand over the Indian territory (POK) forcibly occupied by them in 1948, stop singing the tune of Kashmir problem as an international problem, and to cease all violations of LOC. We can certainly do without unfriendly Pakistan who does not respect India’s territorial integrity, peaceful and friendly attitude.

( d ) Along with improvement in conventional warfare capability, India must side by side also substantially enhance its Nuclear ability and delivery systems to develop required degree deterrence. It is not that we have to go on war, but no neighbour should have the courage to intimidate us by resorting to misadventures against us. We certainly have a right and responsibility to ensure our own security, without the intervention of a third party, and there is no harm in being reckoned as a super power militarily.

( e ) Government of India should take cognizance of anti National stance and utterances of the Kashmir Chief Minister and if feasible remove him. Dissolve the assembly, if situation so warrants and impose President’s rule in the State. Under such circumstances appoint an experienced and senior military officer with advisors of his choice, as the Governor of the state, to assist the President, to maintain law and order and run the state administration.

( f ) UID cards (Nandan Nilekani Edition) be issued first of all, to all Kashmiri citizens, after stringent verifications. It should be ensured by carrying out thorough house to house searches to identify loyal citizens and to trace out the anti national elements and persons having association with terrorist groups. Such persons be suitably dealt with and if required be thrown out of Kashmir or tried by fast track courts.

( g ) All separatists and those professing anti India feelings, may be treated as traitors. Highly fast track courts be appointed to try all of them for sedition/treason, if required at places far away from Kashmir, say Andaman Nicobar or Lakshdweep etc. However, they may be given an opportunity or option to change their allegiance or affiliations, by pledging and signing a bond or move out of India (Kashmir) with bag and baggage, if they do not elect India to be their motherland.

( h ) Article 370 of the Constitution should be revoked in the State, as soon as conditions in the state normalise. Within six months of repealing it, any Indian citizen wishing to own property and settle down in the state may be permitted to do so.

( j ) Conditions should be created immediately, in the state for the return of all Kasmiri Pandits/Hindus or any other citizens who were compelled to move out of their motherland. Suitable, financial assistance loans etc be provided for their rehabilitation.

( k ) The people of Kashmir irrespective of their religion be given an assurance and a feeling that they are integral part of India and have to live as Indians along with all other citizens of India, pledging allegiance to Indian Constitution.

( l ) All types of technical and financial assistance, for developing infrastructure, full assistance in developing industries of various types, their own residential complexes as well as business complexes in which they already excel and are experts, must be provided to the deserving cases.

Although, precious period of over six decades has been wasted or not properly utilised by the Indian Government, for ensuring proper welfare of Kashmir “The Paradise on Earth”, yet, even, now there is an opportunity for the Government to undo the lapses of the past, by a stance of strength and determination, with their heart and soul for the betterment of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Concluded
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Col LK Anand Retd
elkayanand@rediffmail.com

The Kashmir Tangle–Possible Solutions? - Part - 1

Col LK Anand Retd
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Ever since Pakistan dared to attack India just after the partition and independence, through Kashmir in 1948, the situation in Kashmir has remained fluid and troubled. Pakistan forces in their surprise attack, managed to capture a portion of Kashmir which has since been called the Azad Kashmir by them and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) by us. This illegal occupation is being treated by Pakistan as their integral part and the real Kashmir with India as a disputed territory.

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The decision of Mr Nehru, in turning down the advice of his military leadership to allow them to overrun the Pakistani forces to recapture POK, then and there, can neither be ignored nor pardoned. It was lack of Mr Nehru’s operational wisdom, that prevented him from doing so. His misgivings about the capability of gallant Indian forces, led to his berating them often. History is replete with numerous examples to prove, that land once lost, can never be regained, except with immediate retaliatory counter measures. The truth of Nehru’s poor appreciation, and the existence of POK lies before the world. Nehru’s unimaginative approach and serious neglect of Indian defence forces, in the post independence period, have been fully responsible for India’s humiliating reverses against the Chinese in October 1962. To feel that situation is any better, and the history would not repeat itself, would be a gross underassessment and a fact far from reality.

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Indira Gandhi also lost a golden opportunity of dictating terms to her counterpart ZA Bhutto, at the Shimla Summit, in 1972 after the 1971 Indo-Pak War, leading to liberation of Bangla Desh and capture of 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war. The Shimla agreement was an utter diplomatic and political failure, attributed not only to the wisdom of Mrs Gandhi but also to the illogical thinking and diplomacy of her bureaucratic and other expert advisors. It is high time the Government starts seeking advice on such volatile matters, from its more competent military/defence leadership also. The release of 90,000 POWs should never have been agreed, without return of forcibly captured POK territory, resulting from her father’s faulty decision. Now India is paying a heavy price for this diplomatic blunder, on her part. Incidentally, all hopes of peace between the two countries on the basis of Shimla Agreement have been belied, as Pakistan leadership has never been trustworthy and have violated the agreement umpteen number of times, including Kargil and innumerable instances of clandestine and open support to terrorism from across the border.

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Unfortunately, situation has not improved but on the contrary has only deteriorated. There have been hardly any signs of rapprochement, in spite of the fact that Indian Governments have been pumping in Indian tax payers’ wealth in millions and billions to bring the Kashmiris into India’s mainstream. The negative results can be attributed to the uninspired thinking, cognisable neglect and indifferent attitude of Indian leadership at the helm in Delhi, who rarely acted judiciously when the situation was favourable. Factually, the Indian government has had nothing tangible to offer to Kashmir in sixty plus years, except mis-governance by totally unaccountable bureaucracy combined with heavy dose of corruption at all levels.

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Mr Nehru as well as Mrs Indra Gandhi, in spite of having originated from Kashmir, failed to read the minds of the Kashmiri people to evolve any worthwhile solution to keep them within Indian control or strangle hold. Sonia Gandhi being of Italian origin, cannot be expected to have any sympathy or feelings for the people of Kashmir. It was indeed a national shame to see exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from their motherland, at gun point under the eyes of the incompetent and indifferent Government in Delhi. To the utter dismay of all Indians, the centre never found a solution to ensure their safe return and rehabilitation in their own motherland. Till date they are living as refugees in India, away from their homeland. The incapability and failure of the Government, to ensure rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in their own motherland, has belied the oft repeated echo of Kashmir being an integral part of India and a blot on our governance.

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Unfortunately, opposed to any signs of reconciliation amongst Kashmir’s Muslim population and inability of the Government, to bring about rapprochement, the voices of dissent and separatism have started getting louder and louder without any fear or favour. There seems to be no check or reduction in the training camps for terrorist activity on the other side of the fence, which has resulted in increase of cross border infiltration across the Line of Control (LOC). The increase in lately inspired cases of stone pelting which have been causing increased tension amongst civilians and security forces as also frequent loss of innocent lives of locals in various parts of the valley have added insult to injury.

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Some statements from a number of separatist groups have also added fuel to fire as they are openly raising anti India and pro Pakistan voices, seeking intervention of Pakistanis, in solving their internal problems. It reflects poorly on the mute Indian leadership’s total bankruptcy of thoughts, ideas and counter measures for such a malaise. It is a doubtful proposition that the interlocutors appointed for Kashmir would be able to evolve any worthwhile solutions or to create a favourable mindset amongst the dissenting groups, to this six decades old problem, except to facilitate extending it for a few more years.

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Not much credence could also be given to the thought process of some prominent Indian personalities (without naming them) who after observing the wounds of the Kashmiri people, have come out with differing views which could compromise the sovereignty of Kashmir as an integral state of India, perhaps not seeing the reality and majority Indians’ aspirations. Most of them seem to be advocating referendum or plebiscite or their right of self determination as possible options to the Kashmiris. After having lived under the Indian umbrella for over six decades now, would it not be discreditable on the part of our Government, that the people of Kashmir should still be thinking of exercising separationist options, which also may not bring about any fruitful solutions for them.

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If Indian Government has been determinedly making vocal announcements (perhaps not from their heart) at every forum, that Kashmir is an integral part of India, did the government ever make efforts to evolve tangible solutions, whether by dialogue with peoples’ representatives including separatists, good governance or by force of conviction or by diplomacy to ensure that Kashmir does remain an integral part of India not only physically but from the heart and soul of the Kashmiri people. Unfortunately, such a dream has so far remained an illusion amongst the people of Kashmir.

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Worse come to worst, if by chance any of these options are thrust upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir, they could select either to go with India or with Pakistan or remain an independent state. Well, there was a time when Mr Sheikh Abdullah, Omar’s grandfather was beginning to think in terms of an Independent Kashmir, and as such was removed, put under detention and perhaps exiled by Nehru for many years. Although, Nehru was a weak prime minister militarily (implying taking prompt military action to sort out problems) yet, he was strong and ruthless in his political convictions to sideline, crush or destroy his opponents.

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The conditions of accession of Kashmir by a Hindu ruler and muslim majority, followed by promulgation of Article 370 of the Constitution, at the time of partition and Indian independence has left the whole issue almost in an utter and unsolvable state of confusion, which none of the governments could un-puzzle till date, to find a viable solution.

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When Omar Abdullah, took over as the CM of Jammu & Kashmir, it was thought, that his youth, dynamism and patriotism would help in improving the situation there. Unfortunately, some of his actions and utterances have altogether created a counter impression of his intentions which appear to be favouring the terrorists as well as being in unison with the thought process of the Pakistanis, Jehadis as also of the separatists residing in Kashmir.
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To be Continued