issra papers vol i, 2009 - National Defence University

Yusra Mushtaq
The architecture for peace and conflict resolution in Kashmir
dispute, which has existed till now, ignored two fundamental
realities: first, the participation of the people of Kashmir in the
process of peace and conflict resolution and second, adopting a
flexible position which is acceptable for the three contenders, on
issues which have created a stalemate towards reaching a solution
for a long time. 20 This basic fact needs to be consider that political
will, commitment and seriousness exercised on the parts of Pakistan
and India could have made things better, not only for the people of
the disputed land but also the inhabitants of the whole region.
For more than half of a century, the people of this disputed
territory are bearing extreme hardships and particularly the violation
of their rights. The real reconciliation of the dispute lies in the quest
of the acknowledgment of existence and identity of Kashmiris with
that of security and economic interests of India and Pakistan It is a
need for the contenders to accept some critical realities about the
dispute. There are assumptions which are actually those proposed
options which are usually considered but not applied due to
unwillingness either by one or all the three parties.
Following assumptions have the potentials to pave a way of
the viable model for settlement of Kashmir dispute:-
‣ Demilitarization
‣ Self-Governance
‣ Organic unity
‣ Council of Common Interests
Demilitarization
The Security Forces should vacate all civilian areas which
have occupied land and civilian infrastructure in the State. This
should be vacated and the Security forces should be confined to
areas along the LoC.
Demilitarization must be viewed in its widest sense. It
should include
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ISSRA Papers 2009