I read your editorial with interest and offer following comments.
I could not agree more with you when you say (and I paraphrase) that if New Delhi continues to work sincerely on Kashmir problem the militancy in Kashmir would eventually go away. But, how come you forget to mention the UNO resolutions, which clearly specify that the Kashmir (under the control of both Pakistan and India) is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistan is a party to any durable solution of Kashmir problem! No wonder, your one sided editorial loses its credibility in the eyes of Pakistanis and many others when you conveniently ignore the facts of UNO resolutions and advantageously step-aside the relevance of Pakistan for any lasting Kashmir solution. There are three parties to Kashmir issue – India, Pakistan, and Kashmiris.
Second, I also agree that Indian democratic set up is lot more developed than the Pakistani democratic set up. Moreover, I find it hypocritical when Pakistani military establishment lectures India on conducting democracy in the Indian-held Kashmir when Pakistani establishment doesn’t even conduct regular elections in Pakistani-held Kashmir. By the same token, however, I also find it darn offensive when enlightening Indians like you try to club Pakistan with your native country’s democratic accomplishments. Condescending Indian-attitude toward Pakistan will neither link hearts nor connect minds. India and Pakistan have two different democratic trajectories – they should not be compared for the most part.
Regards, Shaukat Khan, MBA
Z. Balaparia comments : Ms Vashisht do you really believe what you written as a solution? you belong to Kashmir. you know what is all going on. do you really think punjab solution will bring peace and harmony? i always read you articles and they make sense too. I like them all. what you have mention is very true that it is a long way to the peace. kashmir actually has a special space in indian constitution - on the basis of that some special arrangements have to be made .... a multi-ethnic composition based on kashmiri's should be given right to govern in a semi independent state including the area which pakistan holds .... this will be the solution even after years ahead of us ....so why not know.. that will save resources for millions of poors who are living below poverty line .......otherwise people on both sides will live miserably for years to come......the region needs prosperity which can only come with peace.......and peace needs solution to the issues which no war can bring but the negotiations... Regards
Vaaray Chakh? Your article makes perfect sense. Contrary to the tried and failed Pakistani argument about UNO resolutions, elections do provide a BASIS (not a solution, but a basis) for the resolution of the problem. It is high time Pakistan realizes that even Secretary General Kofi Annan has stated that UNO resolutions are outdated and are no basis for the resolution of the problem. Your column is excellent.
