Crafting Peace in Kashmir

The resumption of the peace process in Kashmir is highly encouraging, reports suggest that the Centre will soon initiate fresh dialogue with political parties in the trouble-torn valley. Kashmir’s tallest leader Farooq Abdullah has expressed satisfaction over the recent developments initiated by the Centre and stressed that a solution to the vexed Kashmir problem could only be achieved through negotiations. Along with Abdullah, it is expected that all other political parties will also join the peace process as the opposition parties in the state have formed an alliance. For the past several months, the alliance known as the GUPKAR alliance has been collectively taking decisions. Further, the departure of hardliners from the Huriyat Conference is also a favourable sign as the organisation is the largest apolitical body in the state. Political process in Jammu and Kashmir came to a halt in June, 2018, after the fall of PDP-BJP coalition government in the state. In 2019, special status given to the state was withdrawn and it was divided into two Union territories. Local level elections held in Kashmir in December last didn’t have much impact on the prevailing situation in the valley.

For an extended period now New Delhi has been advocating for a negotiated settlement to redress the genuine grievances of the Kashmiri people. But for reasons best known to them, our Western and Northern neighbours have disturbed every initiative for peace. As a result, even after seven decades of becoming an integral part of India, Kashmir is still bleeding, and has become a place where loss of life and property have become a regular phenomenon. The paradise on earth is devoid of development and of peace and tranquility. It is no longer dominated by tourists but has rather become the loitering ground for unwanted activities.

The best way to usher in peace is to initiate dialogue, no matter how difficult the process may be. It requires patience, understanding of ground realities and honouring of local aspirations, along with creating a conducive atmosphere for dialogue to make the process a success. In this regard, the ongoing Naga peace talks is the best example on how to take the peace process forward. It is now more than two decades that talks are ongoing between the Government of India and the Nagas. There were occasions when it appeared that the peace process would break down without reaching any solution. But both sides have shown maturity in dealing with tough situations. As a result, the search for a solution to the Naga problem is actively ongoing and the parties have reached critical milestones along the way. The same approach should be taken in Kashmir too. There will be numerous provocations from various quarters to derail the peace process but all sides should resolve not to surrender before any such provocations for the sake of peace in Kashmir.