issra papers vol i, 2009 - National Defence University

Yusra Mushtaq
they can again be cheated and get a raw deal. Second, if an element
of conflict fatigue is prevailing over India and Pakistan, then it will
become easier to think in terms of providing a just and fair
settlement of the Kashmir conflict. What is predictable in view of
the futility of resolution efforts is management of the Kashmir
conflict. 11
Therefore, to a large extent, “Kashmiris simply wanted basic
democratic rights, including representative, accountable government
and a voice in determining the destiny of their homeland. But, the
Indian State appeared to interpret popular opposition to Pakistan as
further license to continue trampling on those very rights.” 12
Relevancy of the Contemporary Models of Conflict Resolution
with the Kashmir Dispute
There are number of models of contemporary conflict
resolution which are viewed as instrumental in the process of
resolving the territorial disputes. However, there are three models
which have much relevance with the curves and corners of the
Kashmir dispute. These are as follows:-
The Irish Model
It is also called as “The Good Friday Agreement”. It
premised on two interrelated principles: first, it recognizes the
legitimacy of whatever choice is freely exercised by a majority of
the people of the Northern Ireland concerning its status. Second, the
agreement reaffirms commitment to the total disarmament of all
paramilitary organizations.
The Northern Ireland model offers the following aspects that
should be considered in the conflict resolution process of Kashmir
dispute:-
‣ Recognition of the legitimacy of whatever choice is
freely exercised by the people.
‣ Commitment to a process of eventual disarmament of
all paramilitary organizations
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ISSRA Papers 2009