ISLAMABAD, Nov 22: The solution of the Kashmir issue lies in the division of the disputed territory around the Line of Control rather than holding of a plebiscite as promised by the United Nations.
“While a plebiscite could bring sustainable peace to the region, it does not appear a practical or likely prospect,” said an international think tank in its report “Kashmir: The View From Srinagar”.
Having analyzed the issue and its historical background since the Mughal conquest of the Valley in 1847, the International Crisis Group said that recent elections in occupied Kashmir had raised hopes that peace might eventually prevail. But, the group recommended, the solution to the issue could be based on acceptance of the LoC as border.
“The ultimate solution to the tensions between India and Pakistan on Kashmir will involve a negotiated solution, based expressly or implicitly on a de jure division around the Line of Control,” it said.
ICG’s Asian Program Director Robert Templer said: “India would be wise to view the elections results less as an embrace of India, than a rejection of New Delhi’s use of military force and disrespect for human rights, as well as a desire for peace and economic security. There is deep scepticism among Kashmiris that the election results will deliver meaningful change. It is up to Kashmir’s new chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to prove them wrong.”
The report called upon India to take those of its officials to task who were involved in blatant human rights violation in the disputed areas.
To ease tensions in the Valley, India must take measures to build confidence among Kashmiris in its good intentions and willingness to deal with them in a fair and cooperative manner.
This process must start with accountability. India should begin by making its forces in occupied Kashmir accountable for all alleged killings, incidents of torture, rape and other human rights abuses.
The ICG underlined the need for opening up the Valley for international journalists and non-governmental personnel, and urged the Indian government to ratify the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and all articles of the Convention against Torture.
Information of detainees should be provided to family members and legal counsel at the time of detention. The whereabouts of detainees should not be concealed nor should information about detainees be used to extort money from relatives.
The report noted that Kashmiri Muslims tended to look at the problem with an historical perspective as an unresolved issue of the Partition.
It said India should accept the involvement of international bodies, including the relevant UN agencies, in assisting Kashmiri leaders to address the problems of the Valley and develop a vision for the future.
Delhi should allow international observes to monitor closely the Line of Control, thereby reducing the potential for a future India-Pakistan conflict. It should further allow international observers access to political detainees and interrogation facilities to prevent human rights abuses.
Pakistan, the report said, must cease any support for militants in Kashmir and do much more to prevent any cross-border incursion.
The ICG urged the US, the UK, China, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations Security Council to pressure India and Pakistan to open the LoC to civilian and commercial traffic under international supervision.