Pakistan-Kashmir Relations

by Dr.Abdul Ruff Colachal

(August24, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) Recent political development in Paksitan has cast mixed reaction in Kashmir waiting for their indpendece form occupying India. A weakened Pakistan might not augur well for Kashmir casue effectivley. It is a plus point for Kashmiris that Pakistan’s parliament this week set up a special committee to monitor alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir. Discoery of secret grave-yards inKahmir has sent out shivers across the Pakistan nation.

Kashmiris have reinvigorated their struggle for freedom and independence and notwithstanding the lose of lives, they continue to fight for their just cause. In all talks that Islamabad had with New Delhi Kashmir has been in the center of arguments and disagreements. In this regard, Pakistan should take the Kashmiris into full and complete confidence in whatever they do with regard to their future course including regaining sovereignty from occupying India.

Pakistan cannot be expected to change its policy for Kashmir and today said its policy on the Kashmir issue had not changed despite a war of words with India on situation in Jammu and Kashmir and that it remained committed to the peace process with the neighboring country. Foreign Office spokesman Sadiq said: "The government of Pakistan is fully committed to the peace process started four years ago." He also indicated that the resignation of former President Pervez Musharraf would have no impact on proposals mooted by him to resolve Kashmir issue.

However, Pakistan continues to keep the details of their discussions with occupier India, thereby giving room for confusion in Kashmir since Indian media always give wrong “news” about the outcomes of Indo-Pak talks. This leads to misinterpretations even among the patriotic freedom fighters in Kashmir.

It looks, India has taken Pakistan leaders for granted in keeping the “secrets” in tact and it make loud outcries when Pakistan makes some remarks on Indian state terrorism and economic terrorism in Kashmir . India has angrily rejected statements issued by Pakistani leaders and spokesmen on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as a "clear interference" in its internal affairs. It has also asked Pakistan to desist from making such comments.

Pakistan should take the Kashmiri leaders into full confidence with regards to its dealings with India by informing them of the details of the discussions they had with Indians officially and other wise. Because, misunderstanding could spoil even the best relationships forged between Pakistanis and Kashmiris. India is quite eager to see a serious wedge developing in those historical bonds and neither Kashmiris nor Pakistanis should offer an easy entry for India into that cultural domain.

India, however, does not suffer form any illusions about any clear-cut misunderstanding between Pakistan and Kashmir any more now. The current uprisings by Kashmiris in Kashmir and the support they receive form Pakistani leaders amply testify that point beyond any doubt.
- Sri Lanka Guardian