Despite discussions between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in September 2013, more than 200 ceasefire violations occurred in Kashmir last year.
The
Diplomat (January 14, 2014) reported that, in an interview, the chairman of the
separatist Hurriyat Conference said, “This dispute is not a territorial dispute
between India and Pakistan; this is a dispute of 13 million people. Whether
they are Muslims or Hindus or Sikhs or Christians, all the citizens of Jammu
and Kashmir have a right to self-determination. We are telling the people that
we should continue the struggle on the basis of peaceful ways.” He maintains
that India government is not listening.
In
an interview with The Diplomat, the chairmand of the Jammu and Kashmir
Liberation Front said, “In Afghanistan the whole world under the command of
NATO used military force against the Taliban. Ultimately they realized that the
military option is not a solution so they started a negotiation process … So
what is the message of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, not only to Kashmir,
but to all the conflict zones across the globe? Is the message that only
violence can deliver?”
The
United Nations Special Rapporteur, said in May 2013 that “unfortunately in the
interests of state security, peaceful and legitimate protests often elicit a military
response [through the Indian Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 that gives
authorities to respond at will to maintain law and order] which is resulting in
both a culture of fear and of resistance…” and called for a change to the
special powers act. Others call for removal of AFSPA. With the death of as many
as 61 security force personnel in 2013, there remains some official support for
the laws, reported The Diplomat. Znews (January 14, 2014) reported that the
local government has issued a circular within the last 24-hours directing
security forces to be sensitive while dealing with law and order.
In
September 2013 the Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir Festival featured local artists to
express their opposition peacefully to Indian rule. Organized by the Jammu
& Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, it was seen as an alternative
expression to violence. Indo-Pakistan officials are also attempting to foster
greater trade and tourism in Kashmir to improve livelihoods and the
relationship between India and Pakistan. With a record number of visitors in
the region in 2012, and the lifting of negative travel advisories by the United
Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, there is hope for economic incentives for
stability.
The
Pakistan Observer reported that a breakthrough is expected on Kashmir (January
14, 2013). It was reported that Pakistan and India have initiated “confidence
building measures” for addressing Kashmir, and that the Indian government was
interested – based on trade issues and a “softening of the visa regime.” Indian
Prime Minister Singh’s desire to visit Pakistan before he completes his term in
office is also seen as a positive signal for peace initiatives in the region.
Many believe that without solving the Kashmir dispute, no lasting peace and
stability was possible in South Asia.
MARTINA NICOLLS is an international
aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of
Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet
(2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).
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