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OIC and the Kashmir disputeThe POST, Sun, May,20, 2007.Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema
Recognizing that the resolution of Kashmir dispute would be pivotal for the regional peace and stability, the OIC’s contact group, once again stressed that India-Pakistan would not be able to improve their mutual relationships without tackling the ongoing Kashmir dispute. The meeting of the contact group was attended by the Secretary General of the OIC, Pakistan, Niger, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, along with representatives of Kashmiri from both sides of the LOC and the special representative for Kashmir. Addressing the group, the Pakistani foreign minister one again highlighted the efforts Pakistan has already made in seeking an amicable and meaningful solution to this dispute. In this connection he also mentioned number of CBMs measures that have been introduced in order to facilitate the peace process. He highlighted the Kashmir related CBMs ranging from continuation of cease fire across LOC, initiation of bus and truck services, opening of crossing points, and greater interaction among Kashmiri leadership on both sides as well as common Kashmiris. He also briefed the group about the progress made in the ongoing composite dialogue between the two countries. Specific mention was made of President’s four point formula which focused on identification of regions, demilitarization, self governance and joint mechanism. He stressed that the formula was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the Kashmiri people with a view to facilitating the advent of a lasting peace in South Asia. So far the response from the Indian side has not been properly demonstrated though periodic statements of the leaders do indicate that President Musharraf’s formula is being studied at many levels. While one has to accept that not much progress has been witnessed on this front in terms of tangible outcome, one cannot ignore improvement in overall atmosphere. The introduction of CBMs has caused increased interaction between the Kashmiri people on one hand and between the people of India and Pakistan on the other. The improvement in atmosphere generates hopes that if the composite dialogue continues then the chances of securing an amicable solution certainly increase. There is no denial of the fact that without a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute the advent of a lasting peace is indeed going to be delayed. It is imperative that all concerned should undertake concerted efforts to resolve the Kashmir dispute. In this connection two aspects deserve to be commented upon. First, the time has come that the international community must assert itself and continuously impress upon both India and Pakistan to accelerate their efforts to resolve the dispute. The issued should be discussed at all the international forum such as recently the European Union has decided to discuss the dispute. Second, equally important is need to associate the Kashmiri leadership with the ongoing India-Pakistan peace process. So far what have been demonstrated by the two countries are their willingness and a desire to solve the dispute. In this connection Pakistan’s efforts are far more impressive than those emanating from India. Pakistan has put forward many out of the box solution yet it has not been able to attract similar kind of response from the Indian side. In addition Pakistan, is supportive of the proposal to involve the Kashmiri leadership in the peace process especially in the basket on Kashmir. It seems only logical to have input from the Kashmiri leadership. Given the past negotiation record of India and Pakistan, it is not too far fetched to assume that both may find it difficult to reach an agreement and at this stage the Kashmiri leadership could help them in reaching a feasible solution. Undoubtedly the Kashmir issue has become somewhat complicated and a simplistic solution may not be possible at this stage. Therefore one should to get more input from the representative of the people who are directly involved and affected. For years the Kashmiris have been continuously offering sacrifices and have indeed experienced indescribable sufferings. Admittedly at the time of partition and the consequent UN Security Council’s resolutions only two parties were considered to be directly involved but over the years the people of Kashmir have became an active party, therefore it seems rational to involve them in the process that may lead to the desired resolution of this complex dispute. Since 1963 the UN has not really played any positive role in terms of facilitating efforts to resolve this dispute. The tenure of Mr. Kofi Annan is specially barren in terms focus on Kashmir. However the former Secretary General did express once that the Kashmir related UN resolutions are not enforceable. This of course does imply that one should abandon diplomatic efforts. Apart from mentioning the Kashmir dispute in his yearly statement, no tangible effort was undertaken. In many ways the UN has disappointed many people as it has not been able to resolve almost all the disputes that are confronting the Muslim countries. Since 9/11 the global environment has radically transformed and a general antagonistic attitude towards the Muslim countries emerged. Some in west even went to the extent projecting a relationship between the religion and violence. For obvious reason one has to stress that all such people forget their own history. It is only recently the realization among the western countries is emerging that such an approach is utterly fallacious. While it is fully realized that OIC may not be able to play an effective role in securing a desired solution, one cannot overlook its moral value. The fact that a contact group exists with the larger framework of OIC is indicative of the fact that at least the Islamic countries do recognize the need to resolve this dispute. It also provides an opportunity to the people of Kashmir from both sides of the LOC to express their views on the situation. Therefore the advantage of having such a group, even if they merely debate periodically, cannot be undermined or denied.
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