International

'Kashmir not a territorial dispute'

By Batuk Gathani

BRUSSELS JUNE 21. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament at a meeting here on Thursday discussed the Kashmir issue. The meeting was presided over by Elmar Brok, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. J.N. Dixit, former Foreign Secretary of India, participated in the meeting in his capacity as an independent expert invited by the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Vernon Hewitt, Jean-Luc Racine, Director, Centre National de la Recherce Scientifique, Paris and Shaukat Umer, Pakistan's Ambassador to the European Union also took part in the discussion.

Mr. Dixit explained the historical background of Jammu and Kashmir and its accession to India. The Kashmir issue was not a territorial dispute. ``Alienation of Jammu and Kashmir from the Indian Republic on the basis of the religious identity of people in the Valley would contradict the secular, pluralistic terms of reference on which the Indian polity had been constituted,'' he said.

Unlike Jammu and Kashmir, whose autonomy is guaranteed under Article 370 of the Constitution, there is no parallel provision in the case of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He emphasised the need for ``tangible reduction in terrorist violence'' before withdrawal of Indian and Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border and dialogue at the military and political level between the two countries.

Mr. Dixit stressed the importance of the coming election in the State, and drew attention to the announcement of the Chief Election Commissioner that these elections would be free and fair. He said international monitoring of the LoC was not a feasible proposition.

In terms of a durable solution, Mr. Dixit stated that this ``has to be on the basis of the LoC with some adjustments. Parallelly, the people of the State should be given a package of political concessions responsive to their concerns and aspirations.'' He mentioned that ``formal institutional mediation is not acceptable to India''.

He, however, added that the international community and the EU have a role, particularly in persuading Pakistan to rein in Islamic extremism. The international community must also promote democracy in Pakistan, as democracy was essential for peace.

Mr. Dixit made it clear that he was not representing the views of the Government, but speaking in his own capacity on the basis of his extensive knowledge of the subject and contacts.

Mr. Dixit also emphasised broader regional dimensions. He said ``success of the jehadi forces in Jammu and Kashmir will not only destroy that State's plural character, but will also have implications for the fragile peace process in Afghanistan.''

The statement of Pakistan's Ambassador, Mr. Umer, was on predictable lines. He mentioned the UNSC resolutions and plebiscite and referred to the human rights issue. He claimed that Pakistan was opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

`Flow of foreign mercenaries'

Prof. Vernon Hewitt said that in recent years there had been a change in the character of militancy in the State with greater flow of foreign mercenaries. He highlighted the problem of lack of democracy in Pakistan.

Prof. Racine said Pakistan's ability to control the Jehadi groups was limited. He said plebiscite was not a viable option and the solution lay in going in for the status quo on the basis of the LoC, coupled with greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir.

Ms. Carrilho, MEP, Chairperson of South Asia Delegation, alleged that women in the State were being coerced to wear veil.

Mr. Dupuis, MEP, contrasted the strength of democracy in India with its absence in Pakistan. He said the solution for the Kashmir issue had to be democratic. There was a need to stop outside interference. The EU could put pressure on Pakistan.

The discussion also highlighted that redrawing of borders on the basis of religion was an anachronism in the 21st century. The current proceedings took place within a week of the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on June 13 in which it called upon Pakistan to ``eradicate terrorist activities carried out from Pakistan, especially to stop infiltration of terrorists across the Line of Control into Jammu and Kashmir.'' It called for resumption of ``bilateral talks''.

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