ISLAMABAD, June 16: The International Crisis Group has expressed the fear that the process of normalisation of Pakistan-India relations is reversible and resumption of conflict is still possible unless the two nuclear powers work harder for advancing the peace process. The ICG in its latest report, ‘India, Pakistan and Kashmir: Stabilising a cold peace,’ issued here on Thursday analysed the challenges facing the relationships between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir.
The report said although ceasefire in Kashmir had been holding by the two sides, the situation in the state was far from stable.
The ICG is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organisation with nearly 120 staff members in five continents working through field-based analysis and high level advocacy to prevent and resolve deadly conflicts.
“It is unrealistic, however, to expect radical change. International, particularly the US support for the peace process will likely dissuade either side from pulling out,” the report said.
It said Delhi and Islamabad needed to sustain the normalisation process by stabilising the ceasefire on the Line of Control through a gradual reduction of troops and by implementing confidence building measures such as regular meeting between the local commanders.
The sides were asked to remove administrative impediments to implement Kashmir-specific CBMs such as cross border communication and trade links, identifying additional measures in consultation with Kashmiri stakeholders on both sides of the LOC.
The ICG recommended that Indian and Pakistan should involve in their talks Kashmiris from across the divide and from all shades of opinion.
To prevent Pakistan’s hardliners from undermining the peace process and to deprive its military of an excuse to opt out of the talks, India would be best served and would benefit by reaching an agreement about Siachen Glacier, it said.
The report said a reduction in infiltration and violence in Jammu and Kashmir would benefit all parties — India, Pakistan and Kashmiris.
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