Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Chairman, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), in an exclusive interview to the IPCS shared his views on current developments in Kashmir

How do you see the recent Indo-Pak peace diplomacy? Do you think that it would contribute to resolution of the Kashmir issue?

The Kashmir dispute has a historical perspective. It is to be understood with reference to the political history of the sub-continent. The dispute is not to be linked by any stretch of imagination either to territory or to ethnicity or to religion. It is directly and explicitly, probably inexplicably, linked with the political right of the people to exercise their choice –which is, whether to be a part of India or be a part of Pakistan.

This is exactly why, when you talk about ‘dialogue-diplomacy’ or for that matter ‘cohesive diplomacy’ taking shape in the sub-continent, the question arises, will diplomacy of a dialogue between two neighbouring countries (India and Pakistan) lead to the resolution of Kashmir dispute or not. It is a big question and in my opinion, the answer is yes. The reason being that not only are the Indians and Pakistanis concerned about inherent dangers following the possession of nuclear weapons by the two countries, but countries like America, China, the European Union, Russia, and Japan, apart from other countries, are all equally disturbed about what happens in the South Asian region as a consequence of the undercurrent of tension between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.

In light of this, dialogue between the two will centre round just one single issue – Kashmir. When the whole exercise is focused on a single issue, we will obviously have to find the solution. How you do it is different; what form the solution take is different; but, the two leaders (Atal Bihari Vajpayee and General Parveez Musharraf) have the capacity to hammer out a solution to the pleasure of all hearts across the globe.

As for as the APHC is concerned, let me make it abundantly clear that we will contribute to the peace process which is directed towards finding a permanent solution to the problem of Jammu and Kashmir and put in an effort to consolidate the process at all levels, in every respect, and that we have demonstrated that sufficiently in terms of our words, our thoughts and our deeds. I, therefore, think: Yes, the dialogue is to focus on Kashmir and when you talk of Kashmir, you naturally and directly talk of the solution to Kashmir.

How do you see Pakistan President’s visit to US? Is there a role for the US in resolving the Kashmir issue?

United States is the world’s most powerful country. We cannot dismiss the US as a country that has no role in international affairs. The role America had in Bosnia, Kosovo, in the Middle-East and earlier in certain other regions should speak volumes of the interest the Americans have, directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly, overtly or covertly, in South Asian affairs as well. When you talk of the South Asian region in particular, the Americans have security concerns, strategic ties and, of course, commercial interests. To safeguard all these interests, they will obviously prefer that peace returns to the entire region. And, peace is not possible in a vacuum. You cannot restore peace unless and until you address the issues that constitute a potential threat to peace.

Therefore, I think, they have a role as the world’s powerful country and as a country which has many stakes in the South Asian region. They know that the two countries need to be brought a little closer. Only then would the Kashmir dispute be resolved. Of course, India and Pakistan need to cooperate in more than one respect. We may have lines but the lines are not to be seen and we can move about here and there and do everything possible for the good of the people. We should understand and respond to the call of the times, we should read the writing on the wall, and we should feel the pulse of the people. All of us, India, Pakistan, Kashmir and other countries in the region want to live in a better world and leave behind a bright future for generations to come.

With the peace process gaining little momentum, what exactly should both countries do vis-à-vis Kashmir at this point of time?

I may partly agree with you. The required all-out effort is not available. But, if you consider the blistering hostility between India and Pakistan, you can probably not expect miracles to happen in a day or two or in a month or so. We will have to move step by step with all prudence. In my opinion, one thing we – India, Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir – need to do is to rise above the traditional position on Kashmir. Indians need to rise above their traditional position on Kashmir, Pakistanis should respond equally and the Kashmiris should pick up the dynamics of the situation and move forward to pursue a broad based and forward looking policy with regard to future dispensation of Jammu and Kashmir.

All the three (India, Pakistan and Kashmiris) should recognize somber stark political realities on the ground. Let us not throw dust into our own eyes. Let us be wide open to the realities around. Let us decide that we will move forward and find a solution to Kashmir in a specified period of timeâ€â€