Re: Arundahti Roys “Seditious” speech on Kashmir!
Thank you for the kind words - the goal here to have a discussion that is most civil and in the basis of equity and justice. We recognize that Kashmir is a detriment towards peace and economic development in South Asia. It has sapped out meager resources (Pakistan more so), and brought the spectre of Middle Eastern terrorism to the region. We do not want our peoples to suffer in the name of Kashmir.
I would like to put forward a proposal for an independent and demilitarized Kashmir, along the model of Switzerland. Incidentally, being Swiss born, much of my thought process in solving this matter comes from Switzerland (Kashmir being called Switzerland of Asia, no less!). The goal would be to bring back all “true” residents of Kashmir (if they choose to return). Since the Kashmiri kingdom was about 70% Muslim, that means that the non-Muslim minorities must be brought back. An independent Kashmir MUST include all the regions that had been ruled by the King of Kashmir including Pakistani held Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan as well as the Indian controlled portions including Jammu, Laddakh.
The question of the religious-secular orientation of the Kashmiri state is an important one. Which is why there needs to be two prong approach: The recognition of all major religions (Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist) on the national level, with guarantees of freedom of practicing their faith and non discrimination within civil society. On more of a local (regional) level, the governments will have a choice to be more expressive of their religious identity (if they choose that approach). The duality allows for a state that is neither Islamic nor fully secular. Call it the Third Way, where the State recognizes religious differences but does not legislate on those basis.
In terms of the public reaction, I’m certain that will be hostile on both Indian and Pakistani sides. Yes it is a defeat - the only difference is that is a defeat for BOTH India and Pakistan, instead of one or the other. For this plan to move forward, true leadership and a sense of sacrifice is required on both sides. But let’s review what would be the benefits for each party:
India:
- Reduction of military presence in a concentrated region (Kashmir Valley).
- Stronger acceptance as a Global Power in the international community. UN Security Council seat.
- Elimination of Pakistan based terrorism.
- Chance to move forward economically.
Pakistan:
- Reallocation of military resources. Reduction of military spending.
- End of hostility towards India, meaning the possibility of expanding trade and commercial links.
- Chance to become a regional power both politically and economically.
- Elimination of the reason d’etre of Pakistan based Islamist and terrorists.
- Pull back from Afghanistan affairs.
Kashmir (Independent):
- True freedom, away from both India and Pakistan.
- Their chance to build a new country without having to worry about Military/Defense expenditures
- The expression of their Kashmiri identity.
- The opportunity to build an economic power house based on tourism, handicrafts, small farming.
I know that many of these benefits seem like a dream - however they are dependent on the strong decision making of New Delhi and Islamabad. Let’s try to change the myopia of the past.