A Study on Addressing the Kashmir Conflict: Imperatives and Potential Solutions

Abstract

The Kashmir issue has persisted for more than seven decades, originating with the departure of British colonial authorities and the subsequent division of the subcontinent into Pakistan and India. However, the matter remains unsolved to this day. The anticipated plebiscite, intended to let the populace of Kashmir choose their own destiny, was ultimately not conducted. The persistence of the disagreement and the existence of diverse claims and viewpoints on the matter needs immediate attention to address the many difficulties involved. Over an extended period, India and Pakistan engaged in a confrontational stance, conducting nuclear weapons tests and deploying significant military forces along their shared border. However, the events that occurred during the Cold War, together with their regional ramifications and an acknowledgment of evolving security concerns, have established a context that necessitates a reassessment of the relationship between India and Pakistan and the complex issue of Kashmir. In contemporary times, there is a noticeable shift from the longstanding emphasis on national security towards a fresh narrative centered on human security. This transition is accompanied by a transformation from rigid, impenetrable borders to more flexible and accommodating borders, fostering regional collaboration and progress. Regarding the economic landscape, China is presenting formidable competition to India and its regional alliances, while India's ability to establish trade routes towards the West is hindered by the absence of access via Pakistan. According to the author, these advancements have the potential to facilitate the reevaluation of relationships and the exploration of the prospects for Kashmir and its inhabitants, a significant number of whom have tragically perished due to the ongoing war. Since 1947, several proposals ranging “from plebiscite and condominium status to a Good Friday Agreement” similar to that of Northern Ireland have been suggested but have not yet yielded any positive outcomes. The application of abstractly created frameworks to complicated issues such as the Kashmir conflict is not feasible. However, it is possible to derive valuable insights from the settlements of comparable wars, even if the resolution of the Kashmir conflict must be tailored to its unique circumstances. The primary objective for the area is to optimize the use of existing possibilities. The promotion of the peace process may be facilitated by “the international community and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).”