Kashmir

[Suresh Anand <sanand@writemail.com>]

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Thank you Arvind!  (I hope you do not mind my addressing you by your first 
name)

Kashmir, I read your series on the Rediff pages with great interest. On 
technicalities and legal point of view you cannot be faulted. Yet, the 
problem remains and we should be sincere about finding a solution. In all 
fairness, whatever the solution, it must be acceptable to a vast majority 
in Kashmir.  In fact through sincere dialogue with the people of Kashmir, 
it may not be difficult for a consensus to emerge.

Before such a dialogue can take place, there has to be a peaceful  and 
trusting environment. All militant activities have to stop. For that we 
will need cooperation from Pakistan. The situation is not very dissimilar 
to that prevailing in Northern Ireland. Over there, although they have not 
found the final solution as yet, at least there is little violence for the 
past 2-3 years.  Hopefully, they have not stopped talking and eventually a 
solution acceptable to all may be found. Such a first step needs to be made 
in our subcontinent too. For this to happen, strong leadership in both 
India and Pak is needed. Unfortunately Kargil and the hijacking truly 
poisoned the atmosphere.  It is my sincere hope and wish that a sensible 
leadership will emerge in Pakistan from the present mess. When that 
happens, India must open a sincere dialogue again....with a view to 
arriving at a solution which is acceptable to the  all the Kashmiris. India 
and Pakistan cooperation will be needed for that to happen.

  In my humble opinion the most sensible solution is for the combined 
Kashmir to have complete autonomy which should be guaranteed by both India 
and Pakistan.  Minority rights will have to guaranteed under the joint 
umbrella.

I am aware that the above opinion is not shared by the vast majority in 
India. But this is only because there is no trust between India and 
Pakistan. These two countries share a common and ancient culture 
(forgetting about the religious divide). Someone has to make a start to 
start building bridges. Cooperation from both sides is needed. I hope the 
next, better educated and more aware,  generation will work for that end. 
There is no reason why India and Pakistan including Kashmir should not have 
open borders.

Unfortunately presently Pakistan is obsessed with Kashmir. In their view, 
Kashmir solution must be found before building of any other bridges. That 
is putting the cart before the horse. No solution can be found without 
mutual trust. Any forced solution will never work.

On Indian side, we must acknowledge that there is a problem as regards 
Kashmir issue, and agree to have a dialogue on this issue with Pakistan. 
Both countries should acknowledge that there is a problem, and then agree 
to put it aside for a few years. During that period both countries must 
work to reduce tension every where and promote mutual trade and cultural 
exchange...aiming for open borders. Once that happens, Kashmir issue will 
have a ready solution.

My hope is that the next generation will see this problem more sensibly and 
rise above artificial religious and other petty divides.

I will appreciate your views






At 11:38 AM 12.02.2000 +0530, you wrote:
>Dear Mr Anand
>
>Many thanks for your bountiful praise. About your own views on Kashmir, 
>I'd certainly like to know them.
>
>With regards
>
>Arvind Lavakare
>
>Suresh Anand wrote:
>>  I do not always share all views expressed by Mr. Lavakare (Particularly 
>> relating to Kashmir issue), but I salute him for this open letter to the 
>> Congressman Narayanan . All points made by Mr Lavakare are very valid 
>> indeed and it was about time the President is taken to task for his 
>> partisan behavior and decisions.
>>
>>Well done Arvind!
>>
>>http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/feb/08arvind.htm
>>
>>
>>  ====================Suresh AnandPhone (852) 2852 4603Fax     (852) 2542 
>> 4841====================

=======================
Suresh Anand
Chief, Marine Accident nvestigation
Hong Kong Government
Marine Department
Harbour Building 21/F
38 Pier Road, Central
Hong Kong

Tel No. 852-2852 4603
Fax      852-2542 4841
=======================


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