Savvy citizen-diplomat Mansoor Ijaz has an optimistic, but still practical, take on the possibility for peace in Kashmir, based partly on the "quiet, unheralded Ghandi-like diplomacy of one of Kashmir's best-known in-surgents-turned-peacemakers -- Yasin Malik."
It is time both India and Pakistan made the Kashmiri people the centerpiece of efforts to resolve the conflict, and to assert their most fundamental human right of all -- freedom to determine their destiny. Mr. Malik's consolidation of Kashmiri voices from every corner of the Himalayan state is the surest sign yet that a deep yearning for self-determination and the will to accept the responsibilities of free choice are in the hearts and souls of a majority of its residents.Posted by Alan at April 17, 2005 09:13 AMGiving Kashmiris a voice is particularly important for Pakistan because Mr. Musharraf must be able to tell his generals and jihadists their steadfast support for the Kashmiri people enabled them to negotiate a self-determined solution with New Delhi. Both antagonists could then slip out of the conflict, faces saved, under the cover of Kashmiri self-rule.
For its part, New Delhi -- where the Ghandian legacy not only rules but is embraced by a new generation -- should resurrect its doctrine of empowering people.
Perhaps Indian-ruled Kashmiris would not be so desperate to leave India politically if they could tangibly reap the dividends of New Delhi's oft-stated support for their political and human rights. Transferring power transfers responsibility, which in turn builds the framework for good governance.
India and Pakistan have a compelling moral responsibility to restore the lives and culture of some of the most peaceful and dignified people on Earth.