Musharraf’s 4-point proposal: A durable solution?
11 April 2007, Wednesday
We have witnessed many ups and downs in the efforts of India and Pakistan to settle the issue of Kashmir. A new development in this direction comes from Gen. Musharraf in form of a four-point proposal, but this will only ruin the relations further.
THERE IS something quite revealing about General Musharraf’s four-point proposal for Kashmir. In his interview to a private news channel, General said if India is willing to remove its troops from the highly militarized Himalayan region, Pakistan will give up its claim for Kashmir.
But, this will only ruin and contaminate the relations between both the nations. By making such comments, General Musharraf is inviting trouble for Pakistan on the global arena. And, by relocating the troops from the Himalayan region to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh would offer more room for the Jehadis. It will provide them with easy access not only to Kashmir, but to other parts of India too. It will move the terror bracket close to the much-guarded political capital of India.
Musharraf’s new plan can be described as “unilateral concessions” to India by Pakistan. But, Kashmir has been a much-disputed issue between both the nations for 58 years, and now it is time to show flexibility over this vexed problem. Musharraf’s proposal can be discussed between the two neighbours only if they work together and fight divisive forces. Musharraf seems to be under tremendous pressure from the US, and by offering such peace-making concessions to India, he hopes to settle with a quick judgment on the Kashmir issue.
India and Pakistan have progressed in several areas of the composite dialogue, including the launch of a bus service between the divided parts of Kashmir, the Khokrapar-Munabao rail link, the reopening of consulates, easy visa process and confidence-building measures on nuclear issues. But, this has still not helped in resolving the Kashmir issue.
What could be a better solution? Is the Indian Prime Minister going to bat an eyelid on Musharraf’s proposal? Can’t say so.
The issue is complicated and it demands a strong peace dialogue between Foreign Ministries of both the countries. General’s proposal for Kashmir is just food for thought, and is only aimed at testing the public reaction. There is nothing concrete, new or substantial in his proposal. It is only to malign the Indian power.
Musharraf’s new proposal is only the repetition of the Katwari Plan that has been in the process of implementation for the last 10 years. The Katwari Plan only aims at “extricating” Kashmir Valley from India. Musharraf was sufficiently ambiguous in his proposal, and wants his domestic audience, especially the restive people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir to react. He wants to show the international community that he has kept his side of the bargain. However, there has to be a negotiation for settlement between both the nations, and the issue should be resolved in a sincere and purposeful manner. And, one can only hope that this time, both India and Pakistan will work together to find a solution.
11 April 2007, Wednesday
We have witnessed many ups and downs in the efforts of India and Pakistan to settle the issue of Kashmir. A new development in this direction comes from Gen. Musharraf in form of a four-point proposal, but this will only ruin the relations further.
THERE IS something quite revealing about General Musharraf’s four-point proposal for Kashmir. In his interview to a private news channel, General said if India is willing to remove its troops from the highly militarized Himalayan region, Pakistan will give up its claim for Kashmir.
But, this will only ruin and contaminate the relations between both the nations. By making such comments, General Musharraf is inviting trouble for Pakistan on the global arena. And, by relocating the troops from the Himalayan region to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh would offer more room for the Jehadis. It will provide them with easy access not only to Kashmir, but to other parts of India too. It will move the terror bracket close to the much-guarded political capital of India.
Musharraf’s new plan can be described as “unilateral concessions” to India by Pakistan. But, Kashmir has been a much-disputed issue between both the nations for 58 years, and now it is time to show flexibility over this vexed problem. Musharraf’s proposal can be discussed between the two neighbours only if they work together and fight divisive forces. Musharraf seems to be under tremendous pressure from the US, and by offering such peace-making concessions to India, he hopes to settle with a quick judgment on the Kashmir issue.
India and Pakistan have progressed in several areas of the composite dialogue, including the launch of a bus service between the divided parts of Kashmir, the Khokrapar-Munabao rail link, the reopening of consulates, easy visa process and confidence-building measures on nuclear issues. But, this has still not helped in resolving the Kashmir issue.
What could be a better solution? Is the Indian Prime Minister going to bat an eyelid on Musharraf’s proposal? Can’t say so.
The issue is complicated and it demands a strong peace dialogue between Foreign Ministries of both the countries. General’s proposal for Kashmir is just food for thought, and is only aimed at testing the public reaction. There is nothing concrete, new or substantial in his proposal. It is only to malign the Indian power.
Musharraf’s new proposal is only the repetition of the Katwari Plan that has been in the process of implementation for the last 10 years. The Katwari Plan only aims at “extricating” Kashmir Valley from India. Musharraf was sufficiently ambiguous in his proposal, and wants his domestic audience, especially the restive people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir to react. He wants to show the international community that he has kept his side of the bargain. However, there has to be a negotiation for settlement between both the nations, and the issue should be resolved in a sincere and purposeful manner. And, one can only hope that this time, both India and Pakistan will work together to find a solution.
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