The Rediff Special / Frank Wisner
'Real peace and long-term stability will not come to South Asia
until the Kashmir issue is resolved'
American engagement in South Aisa flows from a simple but compelling
assumption: the United States has important national interests
at stake in this part of the world. There
can be no doubt about this. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
recently observed that 'we have a wealth of equities'
in South Asia. These span a broad range of interests, from regional
security, to trade and investment, to environmental concerns.
These broad concerns have led the United States to look at the
future of Jammu and Kashmir, and conclude that the time is ripe
to resolve the conflict that has gripped this state for so long.
We believe:
Real peace and long-term stability will not come to this region
until the issue of Kashmir is resolved. The dispute virtually
has defined the economic and political life of this state since
the emergence of India and Pakistan as independent nations a half-century
ago. Furthermore, it has inhibited the development of healthy
relations between India and Pakistan. Worse, it has led to the
loss of precious life and to war on two occasions.
The preoccupation of each nation with what you perceive to be
the other's hostile intentions diminishes your ability to engage
more fully and constructively in international affairs.
Unless this conflict is resolved, Kashmir risks becoming an even
greater magnet for violent, radical politics that employ terrorism
as their instrument of choice.
The social costs of this conflict place an unacceptable burden
on the people of this state. Years of violence have levied a huge
toll in human suffering, economic stagnation and crumbling infrastructure.
Democratic societies cannot long sustain themselves in the face
of such devastation.
America's position regarding Jammu and Kashmir has remained constant
over the years: the dispute needs to be resolved by India and
Pakistan, taking into account the wishes of the people of the
state. The solution to the conflict will not be found by engaging
in sterile historical debates but, rather, by acknowledging today's
realities and moving beyond them to create a better tomorrow.
The United States seeks no role in this affair, other than as
an advocate for peace and reconciliation. India has made it clear
that it does not seek third-party mediation, and America is not
offering to serve as mediator. No lasting solution can be imposed
-- not by Pakistan on India, nor by India on Pakistan, or by the
world on either country. Friends will be supportive, and may find
ways to help, but only India and Pakistan can make peace, and
keep it.
In our judgement, there are certain, fundamental pre-conditions
if peace is to take root and endure. Let me point to six areas
that compel attention:
First, a political process must begin that enables all the
people of this state to unite in common cause, be they Buddhists
in Leh, Muslims in Srinagar, or Hindus here in Jammu. Throughout
its 50 years of independence, India itself has drawn strength
from its linguistic, cultural and religious diversity. Jammu and
Kashmir can do the same.
More specifically, a political dialogue between representatives
of all political persuasions should begin. The dialogue must be
about reconciliation, and can address any and all the issues you
face -- protection of the state's cultural and natural endowments,
your religious shrines, your forests and waters, your schools
and your economy.
Second, the United Front government has promised Jammu and
Kashmir maximum autonomy as the basis for a new understanding
between the state and the central government. Thoughtful men have
assumed responsibility for considering what must be done to shape
a fresh dispensation. One is sorely needed -- a dispensation that
brings harmony, promotes peace, respects the unique history and
characteristics of the state and, at the same time, provides for
the needs of its component parts -- Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Third, Jammu and Kashmir deserves the finest public administration.
Battered by years of violence, the public service needs repair.
It must be revitalised and strengthened so it can earn and hold the confidence of the people it serves.
Fourth, special care must be given to the victims of violence,
especially to those, like the Pandits, who have lost their homes
and livelihoods, and to those who have been maimed, widowed or
orphaned.
Fifth, the rule of law must be fully restored, and the law
of the gun banished. The citizens of the state should feel secure,
safe from the cycle of violence, of action and reaction, which
has caused such suffering in this state. Every man, woman and
child in this state deserves the assurance that their dignity
will be protected from those who place themselves above the law
-- whether they are in the security forces, or in the insurgency.
Kashmir's history demonstrates its people's capacity to respect
diversity and live in peace. That respect must be restored. Your
legislative assembly will have an opportunity to contribute to
this end in its next session, when it is expected to consider
the creation of a Human Rights Commission. We look for favourable
action. With a Human Rights Commission in place, those in the
state who have suffered injustice, or who have missing members
of their families, will have a place to take their grievances
and seek redress.
Sixth and finally, the economy this state must be rejuvenated
and the infrastructure rebuilt. Your roads, schools and clinics
require priority attention. Contracting for their repair and expansion
must be transparent, to preclude any hint of malfeasance. Moreover,
Jammu and Kashmir has the potential for prosperity. Your natural
resources are abundant, your people are hard-working, creative
and ambitious. Once peace is restored, your natural endowments,
your shrines, and your hospitality once again will beckon visitors
- as they have in the past.
If the people of this state can make measurable progress in each
of the six areas I have mentioned above, the strongest possible
message will be sent to the world that you have regained your
equilibrium, re-established your faith in yourselves, and made
Jammu and Kashmir once again a land to admire.
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