How can Jammu & Kashmir issue be resolved?

Resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue is a complex and multifaceted challenge that has eluded a lasting solution for decades. Here are some of the key approaches and proposals that have been discussed or attempted:

Plebiscite and Self-Determination

One of the earliest and most repeated proposals is the conduct of a plebiscite to determine the will of the Kashmiri people regarding their accession to either India or Pakistan. This was mandated by several UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 47 of 1948, which called for a free and impartial plebiscite to decide the accession of Jammu and Kashmir15.

Autonomy and Self-Rule

Granting maximum autonomy to the Kashmir region is another widely discussed solution. This could involve self-rule for both Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, with India and Pakistan overseeing defense and foreign affairs. Proposals include the creation of a "single boundary-less Jammu & Kashmir Economic Union" managed jointly by India and Pakistan4.

Partition and Soft Borders

A proposal for formal partition of Kashmir, with the Line of Control (LOC) serving as the border, has been suggested. This could be accompanied by demilitarization and the transformation of the borders into "soft borders" to facilitate human and economic exchanges. This approach aims to reduce militancy and promote peace4.

Third-Party Intervention

Third-party mediation, possibly through the UN, has been proposed to help resolve the conflict. This could involve establishing a referendum or plebiscite commission to ensure the rights of the Kashmiri people are preserved. Pakistan has suggested that third-party intervention could be a viable method to pressure India into negotiations3.

Composite Dialogue

The composite dialogue between India and Pakistan from 2004-2008 is often cited as a period of sustainable and peaceful negotiations. During this time, proposals such as self-determination and UN interference were discussed, but no lasting agreement was reached. Resuming such dialogue is seen as a crucial step towards any resolution3.

Addressing Cyclical Violence

Ending cyclical violence is a prerequisite for any meaningful resolution. This involves stopping terrorism and restraining the Indian military's actions in the state. Pakistan's support for cross-border activities would need to cease, and India would need to engage in meaningful talks with Kashmiri leaders and sustain representative organizations2.

Regional Autonomy and Governance

Eqbal Ahmed's proposal suggests recognizing three parts of Kashmir: Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Indian-administered Jammu and Ladakh, and an independent central Valley. This approach emphasizes the right of the people to choose their own future and involves uniting the territories while keeping sovereignties divided2.

Challenges and Obstacles

Despite these proposals, several challenges persist:

• India and Pakistan have differing interpretations of UN resolutions and the process of demilitarization.
• The issue is deeply emotional and nationalistic, making concessions difficult.
• The revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has further complicated the situation.
• The presence of nuclear weapons and ongoing insurgency add to the complexity134.

In summary, resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue will likely require a combination of these approaches, including meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan, addressing the root causes of violence, and granting significant autonomy to the Kashmir region. Third-party intervention and adherence to international commitments, such as UN resolutions, may also be necessary to facilitate a lasting solution.