Pakistan...let's consider my solution

[Naveenkj@aol.com]

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   Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2000 12:43:53 EST

    I want to make a note that I did not say I wanted to get rid Kashmir
because it is of less economic significance.  I merely said that even if we
were to give it up, it wouldn't hurt our economy: one because very less is
contributed by the region anyway, and our military, intelligence spending
will be reduced.
    This is all I'm proposing regarding Kashmir:  We will have to form a
diplomatic solution with Pakistan.  We will have to sit with the Pakistani
leaders, and along with a mediator from a neutral country (Sweden?), to come
up with agreements as to what part of Kashmir they will get, and that they
will not ask for more. (Much like what the Israelis and the Syrians are
doing.)
    There will actually be two votes.  Let me explain: the first vote is to
find out whether the Kashmiri's want to be independent, or join with
Pakistan; the people in Kashmir will decide this.  Once that has been
decided, this decision will have to be ratified by the Indian Parliament.  I
think this will best represent the interest of all citizens of India, through
their elected representatives.  The argument that pundits are driven out of
their homes is a very valid one.  But through this ratification process they
will have a say, and people can have an opportunity to pressure for or
against.
    Now is this solution pragmatic? I think it is.  I don't think this will
lead to the Assamese to do the same thing or the Punjabis or any other
separatist group.  I think they are much weaker than the Paki supported
Kashmir separatist.  I also disagree to the mere SPECULATION that Pakistan is
supporting all separatists.
    Kashmir was a disputed area ever since independence; it was even
discussed during the Paki separation.  So I think this is the best solution.
    Now, what we do if the vote is defeated? What if people want Kashmir to
stay with India? Well then that decision of democracy at work should be
respected as well and we are back to square one.  But I think that,
nevertheless this issue needs to be decided by people and their
representatives and not just by special interest Hindu supremacist



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