LAHORE: The Kashmir crisis cannot be resolved through war, however, the freedom struggle has hit a peak and no one including Prime Minister Narendra Modi can control or stop it now, says former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri.

Speaking at a seminar here arranged by think tank IDEAS, he said there had been 10 war or near-war situations between Pakistan and India on the issue but crisis has not been resolved – convincing everyone that it could be solved only through dialogue.

“Modi’s actions have made the possibility of dialogue in near future very difficult but ground reality will compel him or his successors back to the table. Kashmir has no quick fixes and Pakistan must prepare for a long diplomatic innings commencing with the UNGA discussion and Imran Khan’s meetings with various world leaders,” he said.

He stated that history would prove that Modi, through his recent actions, had actually scored a goal against himself and against India. Prior to this, there were three segments of opinions in Kashmir. Those who wanted to join Pakistan under the umbrella of Hurriyat Conference, those who wanted independence, and those political parties like the National Conference and the PDP who took part in the elections in the IOK under the Indian Constitution.

Modi, with one stroke, had united them all against India. Modi had effectively internationalised the Kashmir issue with his latest actions. The UN, which had gone into a deep slumber on the issue, seemed to have woken up and after a gap of almost 50 years discussed the issue, he said. Moreover, the entire international media is covering Kashmir as it had not done before.

As for the way forward, Kasuri was of the opinion that there is need for complete national unity at the current moment. All political parties must rise above partisan considerations. Pakistan must continue to give political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris.

“If India does not mend its ways, there would be unprecedented violence in Kashmir. Additionally, Daesh is looking for an opportunity and would take full advantage of the anti-Muslim policies in India as well as in Kashmir,” he said.

Prof Hassan Askari Rizvi said the UN issued statement on the issue of Kashmir which is a change in favour of Pakistan. “International powers calculate their own interest and they don’t want to see war between India and Pakistan. Dialogue is essential between the two countries,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2019