Resolving Kashmir Problem: Some Preliminary Steps

COMMUNICATION

Holding of plebiscite having become irrelevant and inoperative, and military and militant efforts having been proved fruitless so far, the following steps may be given a try:

1. First priority should be given by the Government of India to the resolution of Indo-Kashmir issues and political differences that have arisen since the accession of the J&K State to India in October 1947.

2. Without prejudice to the existing sovereignty of India and Pakistan over Defence, Foreign Affairs, Communications and ancillary matters, the control of the internal matters of the parts of J&K at present on either side of the LoC should be left entirely to the executive and legislative jurisdiction of the areas concerned.

3. Facilities for trade and travel within the whole State for the hereditary J&K State subjects (permanent residents) should be allowed.

4. Selective exchange of students, scholars, academicians, artists and cultural groups on mutually agreed dates should be encouraged and effected.

5. Suggestions for a peaceful, democratic and consensual resolution of the problem to be formulated by the elected representatives of both sides of the LoC—severally or jointly, as they may desire—should be invited from them for consideration by India and Pakistan within a given time-frame.

Teja Singh, IAS (Retd.)

237 Exchange Road, Jammu Tawi 180001