Kashmir is a legacy of post Hitler era. Had Bitler won the war what the modern gree Europe/America would have done to liberate their lands? Will they asnwer?

The winners of world war II replaced the league of Nations by the UNO. They made the universal declaration of human reghts and acknowledged the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to choose their political destiny through a free, fair and impartial plebiscite. But they kept the file of Kashmir under dust, till the people of Kashmir launched their mass resistance movement of liberation in 80s to dust off the issue.

The problem with the people of Kashmir is that they are Muslims and without oil wealth and the problem of Kashmir has been allowed to get complicated by not implementing resoloutins of Kashmir. The cold war scenario contributed to the Indian intransigence, as Kashmiris became repeatedly the victims of U.S.S.R., veto. The world body has not upheld the voice of the oppressed and subjugated people of Kashmir, when they most needed the help. Will the United States and some other economic/Military powers ponder over the idea that the world body will not survive and civilisation/progress of man will not continue without durable and just solutions of some burning political problems of the World?

Peace is the urge of man on earth. But, peace without justice is utopian. The impression is that the United States and her Western allies work overtly/covertly for peace without justice to the aggrieved people, nations and countries. While all Kashmiris have unshakable belief in freedom, known in our folk language "Azadi" connoting separation from India, the India Government alongwith her rabid, fanatic Hindu politicians insists on continuation of present occupation by her forces. UK fervors bilateral talks between India and Pakistan while, the US seeks a negotiated settlement on tripartite basis.

How real is the approach of US to Kashmir problem? And, is there any conformity with the urges and needs of the people of Kashmir? What are US priorities and what concerns most, only super power in the world? This is evident from the following report of "the Economist" May 20th – 26th 1995"

"After the Kashmir dispute last flared up, in 1989, America began quietly sponsoring "confidence building" measures to calm thing down… the revolt in Kashmir in 1989 looked as though it might provoke another war. Worried the Americans sent Robert Gates, a senior white House official (and later Head of the CIA) to Islamabad and Delhi. His aim was to produce a more rationale relationship between the two countries. One of his suggestions was to reduce the risks of war by opening lines of communication between the two armies, another was to promote and "unofficial dialogue"… some useful things have happened…."

The same was not done, when in 80s ex-soviet army overran Afghanistan and annexec the land of Afghans. Then Jihad was all right. Money, men and flow and stockpile of arms and ammunition in Afghanistan Pakistan was Okay and in the best interests of region. Neither Pakistan nor the Jehady groups were declared terriorists or fundamentalists then, But, overnight the meaning/definition of arms and men, words and actions changed, and Kashmiris were dubbed as terrorists/fundamentalists and Pakistan was threatened to be declared a terrorist country. A search for men and people among Kashmiris in/outside Kashmir began, to suit new meanings and interpretation of freedom.

Kashmir is on the agenda of U.N. The people of the region continue to resist by every possible way the illegal and unjust Indian rule over Kashmir.

The extra-ordinary President's rule expiring on 17th Jan. 1996 has further been extended for 6 months.

No Indian plan to bury the issue of plebiscite or substitute is with a farce of eight elections has succeeded during the last four decades.

Options are being discussed carefully by different world agencies. But, no consensus on any specific formula is yet in view. History of options is as old as the problem of Kashmir itself. No road to the final goal of freedom is easy, unless different routes/options are discussed threadbare with Kashmir.

The people of the targeted/occupied region were the most apt/right people to find out an answer to the Kashmir imbroglio. But all efforts to this end have been thwarted/sabotaged by intransigence of India and other vested interests in both India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. History of partition and post partition developments in the UN vis-à-vis Kashmir laid down certain vital principles which gave Kashmir a perfect role to decide their future and stop India and Pakistan from going to war. But, the role of Kashmir was minimized and the issue of people of Kashmir was buried for many years. It is only the development of the last 6 years that today some voices of the international level acknowledge role of Kashmir towards a durable solution of the issue. If the present forceful urge of self-determination among Kashmiris fully is respected, the problem will more easily and amicably come to a suprising end. However, it needs extra-ordinary courage and moral grandeur in India and Pakistan. President General De Gaulle of France demonstrated such exemplary determination in 1962, when he proclaimed the independence of Algeria against the wishes of his country's leading Generals who were on total rampage and destruction of Algeria to impede the march of freedom.

The last three years gave birth to some new phenomena which have begun to influence methods of struggle and behavior of people towards it. Although basic political aim of a Kashmir will continue to remain freedom from India, but today every Kashmir is in whirlpool, and he wants to hammer some issues. His eyes are on following things:-

1. Traumatic atmosphere caused by genocide, rape & infighting.

2. Counter-revolution activities by army backed gangs, militant's and anti-social elements.

3. No recognition of displaced Kashmir and political victims as refugees by UN.

4. No international Relief Programs by humanitarian agencies and charities for the families of detainees, martyrs and people whose homes were burnt.

5. Move by Pakistan to bestow 'Most Favored Nation Status (MFN) on India under the preferential trade agreements between the world trade organization GATE and SAARC.

6. Development of relations in the fields of culture, trade, commmerce and politics between India and her neighbours particularly Iran China.

7. Tendency among Paksitani intellectuals and politicians to establish close links with India thus reduce Kashmir as a secondary issue in Pakistan.

After all what should be the future destiny of Kashmir? Accession with Pakistan or a sovereign republic of Kashmir? No such controversy arose till1989 when for the first time Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front formed its wing in occupied Kashmir. For some time the discussion caused some concern, confusion and division among the people. But now-a-days no patriot looks confused, because there is consensus over the idea of "Azadi" from India as the primary objective of every group and section of society.

America and Europe view so-called proposed elections in Kashmir as a step towards solving Kashmir question in the light of their own democratic traditions. Besides other historical reasons, launching of militant groups by India in Kashmir has made the idea of so-called political process more hazardous and incredible. People will not even spit on these elections. Kashmir has announced to boycott elections under the constitution of India.

The USIP (United States Institute of Peace) has issued a document which provides the results of two dialogues (on Kashmir) arranged by the institute in 1993 & 1994. While stating the immediate causes and elements behind its (USIP) efforts for a peaceful resolution of Kashmir question, the document says:

"With both States now considered as near nuclear powers, the threat of another round of fighting over the territory considerably raises the stakes for all parties concerned and for the international community. An additional element relatively new sentiment within part of the territory for sentiment within part of the territory for complete independence, which has been increasingly expressed by insurgency in recent years.

In this context, the USIP first convened a private un-official dialogue among a group of former diplomats, military officers, journalists, juman rights advocates, scholars, politicians and analysts from India, Pakistan and Jummy & Kashmir near. Washingron, D.C on Jan 11-14-1993. The dialogue was intended as an off the record forum to explore creative approaches to resolving the Kashmir conflict. The productivity of the 1st meeting led the institute to bring together a comparable group for a second meeting in the same sitting January, on 11-14-1994".

The USIP says that "the document is not consensus document'. It further says that a scenario for a political process towards resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir conflict begins from some assumptions, purposes and perceptions. It says:

" The character of Kashmir problems has Changed considerably in the past four Years. Time alone does not favor a Peaceful resolution."

The USIP document suggests phase vise building foundation for dialouge on long terms resolution. The process is divided under four heads:

Phase one - Reciprocal implementation of the agreement.

Phase two - Preparing for dialogue about the future.

Phase three - Dialogue on the long term future.

Phase four - Negotiation.

As issues for formal negotiation are identified, begin with discussion of one subject at once time".

We never grudge the efforts for a peaceful resolution of Kashmir, begin tried by world leaders/NGOs. But, such efforts will pay dividends only when India is forced to stop the present brutal onslaught against Kashmiri and all present draconian laws are withdraw from Kashmir.

Bilateral talks between India and Pakistan also proved futile and so headway could be made Kashmiri leaders and India in the past failed to impress a durable and real change.

A political solution should pay full reverence to the urges & aspirations of the people and should lead to a real peace in the strife torn region of Jammu & Kashmir.

Political proposals based upon Western/American view of conflicts and the Egyptian / Palestinian / Chechnian / Bosnian models have no ground appeal in Kashmir. A solution must be honorable and durable, without any spark of doubt and dissatisfaction to ignite the foundation of peace.

Peace agreements in East or West signed after the fall of III Reich in 1945 or in present times under the aegis of UNO or big powers look more after the interests of powerful countries. Therefore, Indian intransigence on Kashmir faces no challenges from these so-called guardians of world order, and there is only one option in the Indian mind. All different options and proposals seem to be one sided. No Indian leader/politician suggests or supports any proposal in the name of third option. No type of third option, a fully independent Kashmir or quasi independent status or constitutional autonomy or even condominium or division on religious/regional grounds is acceptable to Indian mind which is helpless before Hindu fanaticism and militancy.

Mr. Jagmohan ex- Governor of Jammu & Kashmir State one of the protagonists of abrogation of article 370 writes in his book "My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir".

"One of the strongest roots of Kashmiri separatism and alienation lies in Article 370 of the constitution of India, which Gives special status to the State of Jammu & Kashmir".

He further says:

"Only option – placed as it is – India has no second, third or fourth 'option'. It has one and only one, option – the adopting earnestly, and implementing effectively, the concept of 'one state' one nation and one destiny … The challenge before us is to mingle and melt all the subsidiary strands into a Great Tradition of Indian culture and create a new alloy – an alloy that is a reflex of our ideology of One In And All In One".

These remarks remind me of Iqbal's Persian verse of late thirties:

 

Trans urdu: I am advised to throw away the rosary but he carries the (yoni) sacred thread on his shoulder.

Mr. Jagmohan made a ten-point advice to the Parliament of India, which included among others:

(i)   Put strong & sustained pressure on pro-Pakistani terrorist and their collaborations.

(v)   Organize counter-guerilla groups, such as GSG-9 of Germany, SAS of UK and GIGN of
       France.

(x)   Provide liberal relief to the Kashmiri. Pandits and solve immediately numerous problems of
       migrant-employees.

Under the given hazardous condition and given the fanatic, militant and intransigent nature and outlook of Indian political/military brass, what is the way out for Pakistan and Kashmir to meet the demand of their peoples. Should Indians be allowed to dilute the indivisible public mind on freedom and we should give in easy before their manipulation, leave our struggle at the mercy of circumstances. This dark Journey has already taken lives of about 50,000 Kashmiris besides destruction of properties, orchards, forests and molestation and rape of women in the besieged region. Indians though scornful of every option other than integration and accession do give the impression that the movement of 1990 is now a divided thing from even ideological view point.

Tow Indian Journalists in Srinagar and in New Delhi write in "Front Line" thus:-

"……To the two options offered by the United Nations in the early years of the dispute the recent militancy added the third one of independence. This has led to an internal schism within the insurgency, with the pro-Pak elements dismissing the third option as chimerical and inadmissible. Farooq abdullah has now succeeded in bringing a fourth option, that of autonomy… Even those otherwise sceptical are willing to consider the fourth option as a transitory phase, pending a final settlement".

Front-line further writes, "This does not mean the political gridlock in India will permit any easy concessions prior to the elections to Parliament next year… And within the state itself, the concept of autonomy retains deeply divisive potential, with Jammu and Ladakh being averse to any political bargain that would shift th balance of poser woards th Kashmir valley".

("Winter of uncertainty by Sukumar Muralidharan in New Delhi. Shujat Bukhari in Srinagar.)

This shows that India has succeeded in making the path to solution complicated. Not only the concept of a plebiscite under UN has been buried in the eyes of UN itself, but even other options ranging from a sovereign Kashmir to a quasi independent region are being questioned and deemed by Jammu & Ladakh (Hindus) to be a "Kashmiri rule". Kashmiri Pandits of Valley have already demanded a separate homeland (to be carved out of Kashmir province) under India.

This is the time of test for the wisdom and courage of Pakistan and freedom fighters of Kashmir. Unfortunately Kashmir has been made source of power politics and corruption has polluted and made bleak the future of our sacred struggle.

How Pakistan/Kashmir leaderships should answer the challenges posed by India's subtle political/military diplomacy and strategy. Indian subtlety, maneu veringand ruthlessness has made many political/militant leaders nervous and puzzled, although India is heading towards an economic collapse, but how soon India will realise her madness depends on out will, wisdom ideological commitment and scientific and economic advancement.

Kashmir certainly needs an urgent political solution between India, Pakistan and Kashmir. But the focus of each country is strange. India is aggressive on one option, while Pakistanis are asked to compromise every where and on UNCIP resolutions. Blood of innocent Kashmiris and their numerous graves in every city and village have been overlooked by the world community. And how the road to solution will open when India Sticks to only one option and Pakistan/Kashmir are pressurized to give unilateral concessions to India.

1. They (Pakistan and Kashmir) Should draw out a joint plan on the international level to gain real focus of world for a for Kashmir. Devotion to cause and diplomacy should be weapons in the hands of Kashmiri and Pakistani representatives in international for a.

2. Azad Jammu & Kashmir should be mobilized on national level to join the ongoing struggle in Kashmir, so that the liberation movement reached is logical and successful end.

3. The achievements/failures of the present armed movement should be analyzed. Areas of disappointment/disillusion should be identified and recognized.

4. In order to show regard and respect for the great human sacrifices of Kashmir, Pakistan should formulate subtle and coherent, political/military planning for the liberation of Jammu & Kashmir.

5. Pakistan should not worry, nor expose her potions or Kashmir. It should be India forced to in preference. Pakistan should explore new avenues of struggle and support, and wherever necessary modify old ones to make her strategy in tone with the current Hell like situation in Kashmir.

6. Pakistan should from its own agenda in conformity with the interests/needs of Kashmiris and their movement. And, without any prejudice whatsoever. They (Pakistan and Kashmir) should not follow ready made agenda of other powers.

7. Problems of Mujahideen and Muhagireen should be solved. Requirements of Mujahideen inside/outside (enemy areas) should be fulfilled. Every irritant should be removed from the path of struggle. Devotion should be encouraged and devoted people should be recognized and respected.

The present armed streuggle should be replaced by a single united militia of Kashmiri Muhahdeen and its status should be raised up.

Causes of counter-militancy and counter-revolutionary activities should be identified/analyzed to workout an immediate future political/military plan of action. Causes of decline/set back recession in the political motivation should be analyzed and necessary steps are initiated to remove them.

Instead of offering options or voicing concern on options by different quarters, Pakistan should take all practical steps to regain the popular heart of Kashmir. It should further initiate political, diplomatic and military steps and compel India to come on the table with honesty and will to solve Kashmir according to the urges of Kashmiris.

Pakistan calls Kashmir it "Jugular Vein" but Pakistan's motivating power has remained poor in all these decades of lull or turmoil. Even today Kashmir receives as secondary treatment on the official electronic media of the country, as compared to the programmers of glamour/entertainment.

Pakistan missed the train at several occasions in history because, the rulers/politicians followed the agenda of others. She has always been deceived by her so-called friends and she has never been obliged by her friends in need. Pakistan has not done in Kashmir what India did in Ex-East Pakistan, in 1971. What Pakistan faced in 1971, in East Pakistan, India is facing the worst in Kashmir since 1990. Pakistan misplayed and lost her cards in East Pakistan now Bangladesh. But, India is not laying down her arms in Kashmir for the last 6years. She is combating against popular movement on all fronts and corners.

Time is running short. I am making these suggestions sincerely and honestly, because I know my movement my friends and foes, my history and the present agony of our helpless people. No doubt all is not well for India, but we should not remain contended. If the global community does not compel India to read the writing on the wall or bring her on the table of dialogue, then the present situation might further deteriorate and Kashmiri Muslims might be left at the mercy of India, Who will leave no stone unturned to annihilate Kashmiris in Kashmir.

Pakistan has to take initiative, because it is associated with our struggle for decades. If she has no such will or position, time will not wait nor the standstill condition will heal up the wounds of the people. If India and Pakistan do not sit together and make a joined pledge to honor the wishes of the people, then who knows what direction wheel of time may take to bring wrath of nature to the entire region. Iqbal – the poet philosopher says: 

Liberation of Kashmir from Indian Clutches is a loving aim and dream bothfor Kashmir and Pakistan. The pangs of this dream move every Muslim. Many nations are born on earth after passing through these pangs of love and trumoil. But dreams materialise only when people struggle faithfully and their leaders lead them honestly, wisely, unitedel and with integrity. I pray to Allah for true inity and solidarity of not only Kashmiris but also for Pakistan to get over the present crucial period of History.
                                        (March 1996).