The Problem in Kashmir - Solutions?

[removeduser_426582376423734]

The BBC's two cents

I like Scenario 4, an Independant Kashmir, although it is a bit far fetched. The only reason there is fighting is because neither Pakistan nor India want to give up the land, and the Kashmirians have given their "allegiance" to one of the two. And with recent attacks, the tension is growing ever more greater.

Is it just a coincidence that there is such a problem with states that have a Muslim majority? Maybe we need to rethink our priorities.

[Tom Paine]

Maybe its that they are rare? Muslims were shunted off to Pakistan, and thus states with Muslim majorities are far closer to Pakistan than India in allegiance.

[Farnan]

Stupid Brits, have to mess everything up don't you? Just kidding.

I think an independent Kashmir valley would be the best solution myself.

[Tom Paine]

A third country? We created massive rivalries and a cold war when we divided it into two nations (along the grounds of the religious majorities, too. Clever us), would adding a third, smallish one in the middle be good for stability really?

Oh... and yes we do. Your country included

[Farnan]

Well you the Brit that drew that line must have been drunk and forgot to put Kashmir in the right place. And yes, a third country which after 3 years independent will have a referendum determining its future status.

[Perikles]

What is wrong with Kashmir? That is a great song....

I think the partition in Kashmir should remain, then currently Indian controlled Kashmir should reamin Indian and the same with Pakistan. I don't know why they can't just do that, would save a lot of time and squabbling. Neither side can win, because they are too stubborn and would rather have the whole of it instead of the bit that is their's currently.

[Tom Paine]

Which is why such a solution wouldn't work, jp. Kashmir needs to be independant but the Kashmiris are loyal to one side or t'other and it wouldn't remain independant for long... I think that after the 3 years we'd have a real problem with that idea, Farnan.

[John Wayne]

Maybe just send in the UN to the Kashmir? Make it an autonomous state under the control of the UN, until things have cooled down enough that it can be integrated back into their respective countries. Who knows, maybe they will like being under their own rule for a change.

[Tom Paine]

As I said, the Kashimiri are partisan. Independance isn't something they seem to like the idea of because, simply, they are partisan to either one or the other nations; and of course who wants to be a buffer zone in a potential war?

[Farnan]

Also, the UN can't control a city (Jewerusalem at one time), much less a nation, it never works.

[John Wayne]

Also, the UN can't control a city (Jewerusalem at one time), muc less a nation, it never works.

Well then I guess its time for the good 'ol USA to do the UN's job again!

[Farnan]

Well then I guess its time for the good 'ol USA to do the UN's job again!

I didn't say that, I just said how putting Kashmir under UN control wouldn't be good.

[The Fish]

I think the current de-facto ceasefire line (the Line of Control) should become the International Border. An independent Kashmir Valley would have absolutely no economic legs to stand on; it would be tiny, without any non-agrarian industry (apart, perhaps, from tourism), and would be dependent on India/Pakistan for all of its basic infrastructure (e.g. electricity, access to ports, etc.). I think the Indian government is amenable to making the LoC permanent, and I think this is what will end up happening, if there ever is a final resolution on Kashmir.

The problem is that, for Pakistan, the acquisition of the whole of Kashmir has become a national purpose. It would be akin to China simply deciding to not pursue reunification with Taiwan, except this is even more of a visceral policy issue for Pakistan. Even though Kashmir is very important to India, I doubt that the average Indian would put the acquisition of Kashmir as high on a list of national priorities as the average Pakistani would. This means that Pakistani governments, both for political reasons and as a way of appeasing the increasing influence of radical Isalmists, has a hard time demainding less than the ceding of the entire territory by India. This is, of course, not an option for India, which has to respond with its own strong rhetoric to ensure that everyone understands how impossible such an option is, and the stalemate continues.

[Tom Paine]

Right... and let the terrorists who are in Pakistan (and we knwo they're there...) slaughter them? More than they are already, I mean. And if you think they could hold it together peacefully remember that they'd be walking into what is only just not a warzone and trying to make peace where there's none to be found, without having to create that situation first.

[John Wayne]

Of course I don't, I was mearly attemtping to be sarcastic. Unfortunatly, my intended tone was cut out via self idiocy. But you have to admit, it may end up happening if it gets really bad down in Kashmir...

[Tom Paine]

Walking into a civil war? Where at least one power is thought to have nuclear weapons? Oh, clever!

[John Wayne]

Walking into a civil war? Where at least one power is thought to have nuclear weapons? Oh, clever!

Not a civil war, but a US peacekeeping mission.

Actually both sides have nuclear weapons, and this war has been going on for almost 50 years and both countries are our allies.

And since both are our allies, it might actually be possible.

[Tom Paine]

Not a civil war, but a US peacekeeping mission.

Yes, my point being it'd basically be a peacekeeping mission in a civil war and where there's little peace to keep!

[Farnan]

Actually both sides have nuclear weapons, and this war has been going on for almost 50 years and both countries are our allies.

[removeduser_426582376423734]

The war in Kashmir hasn't been going on 50 years, more like 15. It was, however, 50 years since the split between India and Pakistan. It is up to debate who's fault it really is - the British (viceroy), the Indian (Nehru) or the Pakistani (Jinnah).