A new Indian mindset on Kashmir

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By: Raja Muhammad Khan
Kashmir was included and discussed as an agenda, during the latest round of the Foreign Secretary level talks between India and Pakistan, held in Islamabad on June 23-24, 2011. From Pakistani perspective, “The talks were substantive, held in very cordial atmosphere and were forward looking.” As per Indian External Affairs Ministry, “All aspects relating to peace and security have been discussed and terrorism is an issue which is confronting both the countries and of course it is very relevant to peace and security.”
Unfortunately, just a few days after the talks, Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh gave a very distressing statement on Kashmir issue. While talking to the editors of the newspapers, the Indian premier said that, he hoped that, Pakistan “will leave Kashmir alone,” because “they have their own share of internal problems.” Harping on to the old mantra of terrorism, Dr Singh categorically said that, Pakistan has “not done enough on terror. I still feel they need to do more.”
By giving this statement, India tries to equate itself with United States. The way US has been putting pressure on Pakistan to do more; India is now behaving in the same manner in South Asia. More than anything, the statement means a lot for Pakistan at least on three aspects. First, India feels that, under current environment, Pakistan can do nothing to change the Indian position on Kashmir. This means that internally Pakistan has been made so weak to stand in front of India. Second, Pakistan should think for its own survival under the prevalent domestic crisis in the country, rather asking for a solution of Kashmir. Its internal dissent would compel Pakistan to look inwards, rather outwards. Third, the factors responsible for bringing Pakistan to the current status of internal disturbances, so that it is unable to resist on other issues of national interests.
Indeed, what appeared from the statement is that India has a major role in bringing Pakistan to the current situation of domestic instability, so that Pakistan stops demanding a just solution of Kashmir issue. This statement of Indian premier is indicative of the fact that Indian top political leadership is in line with its spying network involved in destabilizing Pakistan, especially Balochistan and Fata. This statement speaks of a conspiring mindset, which lacks sincerity to bring peace and stability in the region. It is amounting to sabotaging the peace process.
For Pakistan and Kashmiris, the Kashmir issue needs an immediate resolution. As stated very clearly by Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, “If Kashmir is not core concern, then what is core concern?” Pakistan feels that, through forward movements and engagements at diplomatic level, India, Pakistan and Kashmiris should find an amicable solution of the Kashmir issue. She further said that, “It is better to resolve long-standing issues rather than let those issues fester and become larger than life and affect development and peace of the region.”
The statement is also a point of concern for international community, who should take a note of it. Pakistan and people of Kashmir consider that, this is statement indicative of the facts that, India has been behind the current instability in Pakistan. By creating instability, India desires to entangle Pakistan in a situation where it is unable to concentrate on issue like Kashmir. Provoking armed conflict within Pakistan by its neighbour (India) would mean promoting terrorism. Should not international community question India for such an act of global concern?
As proved historically, wars, conflicts and promotions of insurgencies, could not solve the issues, rather further complicate them. Negotiations and talks are the only way forward. This is a positive step that India and Pakistan are resorting to the bilateral talks for the resolutions of their issues and differences. However, issuing distressing statements by Indian leadership would enhance the trust deficit, rather reducing the gap. The current uncertain situation in South Asia calls for a very mature and dedicated leadership and a positive approach to resolve the basic cause of distrust (issue of Jammu and Kashmir), rather maintaining the status quo. Let there be a consensus resolution of Kashmir issue as per the wishes of its people to bring stability, peace and economic prosperity in the region.
*The writer is an analyst of International relations. Email:drmk_edu@yahoo.com

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