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Kashmir Conundrum
(University of North Bengal, 2012-03) Attar Rabbani
The problem of Jammu and Kashmir (Kashmir henceforth) is apparently one of the most complex of problems that we witness in the world today and its genesis arguably lie in the manner of subcontinents’ partition in 1947. Both India and Pakistan claim full sovereignty over Kashmir, citing historical, geographic and demographic reasons. Irrespective of what now holds on the ground in Kashmir, Delhi and Islamabad still holds possession of it as a matter of national survival. But concurrently also emphasize willingness to pursue its resolution and say, are prepared to traverse extra-mile to alleviate sufferings of the people of Kashmir. Their resolve is usually captured in phrases like ‘composite dialogue’ and ‘cross-border commerce’ in specific and ‘people-to-people-contact’ in general. This has surprisingly however not effected any change in their fundamental position - neither Delhi nor Islamabad has formally budged from their old positions on Kashmir. Given this fundamental reality, the calls of early resolution of Kashmir look as doubtful as ever because without effecting fundamentals no solution is realizable. This paper attempts to shade light on prevailing Conundrum in Kashmir as a result and highlights the plight of ordinary Kashmiris sandwiched between two warring factions – the Indian security forces and Pakistan backed militia.