This thread is similar to one I made a post in yesterday. However, I'd like to reiterate those words, which perhaps take a view on the wider issue of the conflict itself.
As much as I condemn the killings of protestors, these events will continue and we will be trapped in the cycle of violence, of action and reaction which suits no-one.
We're back to where this chain of discussion usually ends up, most notably:
Pak posters: The Kashmiri's are fighting for their freedom from Indian occupation, it's their right.
Indian posters: Kashmir is an integral part of India, these protesters are making their own lives a misery. If Kashmiri's are not happy, they're free to join Pakistan.
This merry-go-round doesn't help in providing any solution to this issue. All we do is accentuate our traditional stands. A starting point should be to talk about where we
agree on what's happening in Kashmir. And my take on this is the following:
- Kashmiri's are suffering, and there is genuine despair - this suffering is concentrated predominantly in the Valley. A political and non-violent solution is the ONLY answer to their troubles.
- Annexation or seccession from the Indian Union is a non-starter. However, autonomy or a greater devolution of powers may be the answer, particularly in the Valley. Whether that meets the demands of 'azaadi' that so many shout for is unknown. However, that, coupled with a reduced / withdrawn military presence could quell the troubles of the state. I understand the Indian counter-argument that doing this may result in similar demands in other states, but the 'special status' of Kashmir needs to be the overriding concern.
- Borders cannot be redrawn - I don't see Indian administered Kashmir merging with Pakistan, I don't foresee an independent Kashmir. Nor do I see Pakistan administered Kashmir joining India. The LOC as it is will become the current border, although perhaps softened (as has been advocated) to allow greater movement between both sides of the LOC.
- The military build-up / presence within the Valley is detrimental to peace efforts. This needs to be reduced for the frustration and humiliation amongst the local population to dissapate.
- Pakistan needs to stifle those that scream and preach about jihad in Kashmir. If we're using the excuse that in a democracy, we need to ensure freedom of expression (as Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the other day), then that has to be expressed responsibly. That was our response on the facebook / Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) drawing episode, or was it not? Brainwashing another generation on hate and violence will get us nowhere.
Now I'm sure I've said things above that might upset people on both sides of the border. There are entrenched views, and has been mentioned, both sides are mainly interested in a lot of take, and not much give.
Our thoughts should be primiarily for those that are suffering - Kashmiri's. How can we help them achieve a better life, and how can we in the way of peace improve lives for both nations?
Rose tinted and idealistic is what many may term my stance to be, but our stated positions on Kashmir won't get us anywhere, and that has been proven for six decades and counting.