Kashimr
Solutions of Kashmir
The following major possible solutions have been put forward from time to time
to resolve the dispute of Kashmir.
Plebiscite.
Line of Control (LOC) as International Border
Independent Kashmir.
United Nations Trusteeship
Good Friday Agreement.
Exercise of cultural diplomacy.
1. General Musharraf’s four-point formula
The “four-point formula was proposed by former Pakistani president – General Musharraf’s
which encompassed the following
1. Demilitarization or phased withdrawal of troops
2. There will be no change of borders of Kashmir. However, people of Jammu &
Kashmir will be allowed to move freely across the Line of Control.
3. Self-governance without independence
4. A joint supervision mechanism in Jammu and Kashmir involving India, Pakistan
and Kashmir.
2. Aland example of Sweden and finland
The autonomous status of Åland was affirmed by a decision made by the League of Nations in
1921 following the Åland Islands dispute. It was reaffirmed within the treaty admitting Finland
to the European Union. By law, Åland is politically neutral and entirely demilitarised, and
residents are exempt from conscription to the Finnish Defence Forces.
3. Good Friday Agreement (or Belfast Agreement)
On 10 April 1998, something called the Good Friday Agreement (or Belfast Agreement) was
signed. This agreement helped to bring to an end a period of conflict in the region called the
Troubles. The Troubles was a period when there was a lot of violence between two groups -
Republicans and Loyalists. Many people were killed in the fighting.
The conflict in Northern Ireland dates back to when it became separated from the rest of Ireland
in the early 1920s. Great Britain had ruled Ireland for hundreds of years, but it split off from
British rule - leaving Northern Ireland as part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland as a
separate country.
In 1998 - after nearly two years of talks and 30 years of conflict - the Good Friday agreement
was signed. This resulted in a new government being formed that would see power being shared
between Unionists and Nationalists.
The idea of the agreement was to get the two sides to work together in a group called the
Northern Ireland Assembly. The Assembly would make some decisions that were
previously made by the UK government in London.
Giving power to a region like this is known as devolution.
Although the politicians continue to disagree, there has been no return to the violence once seen
in Northern Ireland. It is a much more peaceful place and many say that's because of the Good
Friday Agreement.
Exercise of cultural diplomacy
Cultural Diplomacy (or "Diplomacy between Cultures") has existed as a practice for centuries.
Whilst the term "cultural diplomacy" has only recently been established, evidence of its practice
can be seen throughout history and has existed for centuries. Explorers, travelers, traders,
teachers and artists can be all considered living examples of “informal ambassadors” or early
“cultural diplomats”. Indeed, any person who interacts with different cultures, (currently or in the
past), facilitates a form of cultural exchange, which can take place in fields such as art, sports,
literature, music, science, business & economy and beyond.
Independent Economic Zone
One creative proposal is to turn the entire area into an Independent Economic Zone
where both India and Pakistan can engage in free Trade. This would require both armies to
withdraw under conditions of honor and dignity; it would not prejudice their positions on
Kashmir as a whole;
Both sides need to recognize each other's claims, agree not to change the status quo by force, and
agree not to introduce irregulars. This would be followed by 3 steps:
1. End the fighting without disengaging or redeployment.
2. Introduce technical means of monitoring and surveillance, permitting meaningful
reductions of forces to be negotiated.
3. Work out a complete demilitarization.
Chenab formula (But not effective)
It was proposed in late 1960s as one of the possible solution to conflict. However, it gained prominence during
Musharraf period of Pakistan. It is based loosely on combination of 2 nation theory and geographic feasibility of
division of the state.
Under the Chenab formula, the state of Jammu and Kashmir should be divided on the lines of Chenab river
which flows through the state. If divided , the north of the river part will go to Pakistan while southern part will
go to India. Overall, India will lose it control of Kashmir valley, Ladakh as well as half part of Jammu, while it will
only will left with lower districts of Jammu, Kathua and Udhampur, while rest part of Jammu along with other
areas will go to Pakistan, making India lose 80% of total claimed land.
