Hi All
First of all, let me clarify something. I am a Sikh, and an Indian. And I have my roots in Kashmir - my ancestors are from Kashmir and so are lot of my friends - both Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits.
I have been pursuing Kashmir incidents since last 15 years. I have been visiting Kashmir at least once in 2 years and am in touch with all my friends there. Below is my personal analysis of the issues and how we should be looking to it.
Yes, Kashmir issue is global now. And honestly everyone wants a solution to this. But we need to shed our narrow mentality and try to be more open.
I think we left behind an era when geographies were really important. With Communication and collaboration being the key, the concept of geographies is fast diminishing and it is matter of time when we may not have countries and nations. There are talks of removing Visa and passport restrictions for moving around countries. A classic example is Europe which looks more like one country and borders really dont matter much.
Some things are sure and cant be changed. India will never allow Kashmir to be seperated. Kashmiris will never be content with India. Pakistan can never let go the Kashmir agenda. Then how will we solve this ??? Can there be a solution which is accepted and binding on all. Yes it is. And here is how it can be.
Let India itself change to a federal system. With states functioning more like self-supporting small nations. Let there be a common Currency, common Defence and common Flag. But Kashmir ( and for that matter other states also) be allowed to decide their own fate. Let them decide how they want to trade, how they want to attract investments. Let them use their internal resources to trade with other states as if they trade with other countries.
It it makes sense for Kashmiri business man to sell his products in Lahore rather than Delhi, let him do this. Similarly if a trader in Mumbai feel he has a market in Kashmir rather than Delhi, let him do that. Let the central govt only defend the country, control currency and matters of national interest. Let there be no Article 370 neither any restrictions to invest or live in any part of India.
If this happens, it will only make all of us more independent and more happy. Kashmiris can decide their fate and their route for trade. Similarly Jammu can decide on their methodology on how to use their resources.
Let their be no restriction or management of Amarnath yatra or even Hajj. Whoever wants to go, let him spend money and go. The state govt shd provide facilities in lieu of monetary compensation.
i am sure this is the only solution and we all know it is a matter of time before we have to forego the geographical and religous partitions. Whether it is Kashmir or Punjab or Assam, it has to happen one day. And no one can stop this. Better be ready for this.
Regds