IF the Falkland Island issue could be resolved through referendum, then why can’t we settle the Kashmir issue by the same means?

The issue of a thinly-populated Falkland Island with an area of just 4,700 sq miles has been hanging in the balance between Great Britain and Argentina since 1832. Both the countries claim the disputed territory.

In 1982, the issue reached a severe peak when about 649 Argentine and 255 British troops were killed but the problem remained unresolved. Finally, the British government has desired that a referendum must be carried out to resolve the issue but Argentina’s Government has opposed the referendum and declared it null and void.

Similarly, the bone of contention of the relations between Pakistan and India, i.e the disputed territory of Kashmir has the same problem as Falkland Island. Both the governments of India and Pakistan have failed to resolve this issue since 1947.

On Jan 5, 1949, the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan’s resolution stated that the question of the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan would be decided through a free and impartial plebiscite. But the Indian government has been opposed to a referendum, excusing itself by saying that the irregularities in Kashmir must be eradicated before carrying out any referendum.

The basic and fundamental rights of innocent Kashmiris are violated almost daily by the Indian Army. A number of wars have taken place between India and Pakistan because of this dispute which has resulted in countless deaths.

Kashmir is popularly known as ‘heaven on earth’ but that heaven is now tainted with the blood of innocent people. Its valleys are filled with the cries of innocent women who are raped by the cruel Indian armed forces.

The United Nations should come forward and resolve this issue because it has been proved from the last 67 years that neither India nor Pakistan can resolve this problem. The only people who are suffering are innocent Kashmiris.

If the issue of the Falkland Island could be resolved after 181 years through referendum, then why can’t the Kashmir issue be settled in the same manner?

MIAN ARSHAD Peshawar