The Fifth International Kashmir Peace Conference concluded here Friday last at the Capitol Hill after a number of renowned speakers from various continents deliberated for a two-day (July 14-15) conference on different aspects of Kashmir issue, including options for its solution.
On the concluding day, a nine-para Washington Declaration was adopted, which made clear that 'status quo was no solution'," and that 'cease-fire line as an option was totally unacceptable.'
It declared that Kashmiris should be 'an integral component' of the ongoing peace process, "since they are the primary stakeholders."
The declaration called for "an intensive and comprehensive dialogue" between different opinions and regions of Kashmir "on both sides of the dividing line."
It urged that "every form of violence" must come to an end to improve the environment "for a constructive and progressive dialogue."
The Conference welcomed "the new dawn and manifested sensible approach" to resolve the Kashmir dispute through a peaceful negotiated settlement "on the basis of existing ground realities, keeping in view the sensitivities and wishes of the Kashmiri people."
It called for "cessation of all types of human rights violations," and welcomed all Kashmir-specific CBMs.
The Declaration says interaction among Kashmiris will improve the level of trust and confidence, as it will also help develop a consensus in the conflict resolution, "and, the government of India and Pakistan must facilitate the inter and intra-Kashmir dialogue."
The theme before the roundtable conference was consideration of various options of Kashmir solution.
Lars Rise, member of Norwegian parliament, questioned as to "why can't we move faster?"
He urged that Kashmiri people be heard, and added, "there could be no lasting peace without true participation of Kashmiri people."
In his view, there was "a large movement now" on Kashmir, and hoped: "we will definitely reach a solution", as we look forward to doing it.
The Norwegian government, he said, was ready to facilitate just solution to Kashmir issue, adding: "While we have no power to change history, we can shape future."
Kashmiris, he said, were not 14 million but 30 million people, in India, Pakistan, including all minorities; and that, it would be a pluralistic state.
The speakers said it was not a religious or territorial issue.
Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai said: "If we are realist, peace and justice in Kashmir are achievable", adding it is necessary 'to set the stage' for settlement of Kashmir, and that position of status quo 'is harmful and unacceptable.'
The Kashmiri American Council executive director contested the assertion that Kashmir was a complex issue, saying: "In fact, there is no international issue that is not complex."
"It's a matter of becoming a realist and taking of interest. It's not the time to become an instrument of passivity and inaction," he said, describing the Conference as 'productive.'
The Conference was organised by the Association of Humanitarian Lawyers and the Kashmiri American Council.
The theme papers were read out by Dr Rodney Jones, Dr Stanley Wolpert, and Dr Robert Wirsing.
Dr Subramanium Swamy of All India Janata Party said: "We had disagreements, but there was immense cordiality, adding that any solution must have concurrence of the people of Kashmir.
He said self-determination was devised during period of colonialism, adding: "If you start it, think, where would it end."
He said Pundit Nehru had pledged resolution of Kashmir, he remained alive till 1964, "but he did not implement what he had assured," and in a lighter vein he added, how could any other Indian do it. "There would be a slow and gradual progress," he said.
Some speakers proposed substantive possible options for solution to Kashmir issue; and Lars Rise said the Norwegian government was ready to facilitate just solution to Kashmir.
Senators Dr Abdullah Riar, Akbar Khawaja and Muhammad Azam Swati said there was complete bipartisan support in Pakistan for cause of Kashmir.
Majeed Tramboo of Kashmir Center, Brussels, made clear that right to self-determination could not be bracketed with terrorism; and that Kashmiris were fighting against occupation forces.
Professor Nazir Shawl of Kashmir Center, London, laid stress on need for introspection, adding that peace is better than war. "Peace and resolution of the dispute with justice is possible", he observed.
Dr P. Ambegaonkar, president, Bridging Nations, drew attention that we are living in post-9/11 world. He proposed that LoC be turned into a line of commerce, and said it was time to forget two-nation theory, and that "we are two nations, but one people."
Dr Zahid Bukhari, professor of Georgetown University, reminded that India could not earn moral authority to become a super power unless it knew how to reach just solution to Kashmir problem. He stressed the need for a rationale mindset.
Dr Wasiullah Khan, chancellor, East West University, Chicago, said a new thinking is emerging and that "Kashmiri struggle cannot be stopped, and that they cannot be subjugated."
He proposed that on the pattern of European Union, there could be a South Asian Common Market in which eight countries of the region could have free trade and embark on full-scale economic development.
Professor Faizan Haq referred to human rights violations in Kashmir, and stated that victims of violence must be heard.
Senator Swati referred to nine options, which included plebiscite.
Dr P.M. Kamath of the Association of American Studies Trust, proposed that Kashmir border should be soft and porous.
Zulfiqar Gardezi said Kashmiris are the main party, which must be involved, adding Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and that to delay resolution of the dispute on one or the other pretext is unfair, "for there is much at stake."
Sardar Atiq of Muslim Conference, said credit for awakening in Kashmir goes to the 80,000 martyrs who sacrificed their lives at the hands of Indian forces.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat said as a first step, India should be prepared to accept Kashmir as a dispute, adding the core party is Kashmiri, while India and Pakistan were compulsory parties.
Former Pakistan's foreign secretary Riaz Khokhar said India has so far rejected "every single option," and expressed apprehension that India would be receptive to options coming from world capitals for solution to Kashmir dispute, adding: "I am a great optimist, and I believe a longstanding and durable solution to Kashmir may come from Kashmiris themselves."
Federal Religious Affairs Minister Ejazul Haq said out of the 90 CBMs, only one relating to start of across Kashmir passenger bus is "Kashmir-specific." He commended the recent allowing of APHC leaders to visit Azad Kashmir and Pakistan and interact freely. "Ultimately, it is for the Kashmiris themselves to sit down and find a durable solution to Kashmir issue", he added.
Kashmir Affairs Minister Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat said Pakistan has adopted 'a pragmatic stance', and added the conference deliberating options for Kashmir solution had agreed on one aspect "that there is imperative need to resolve the issue on priority."
He said bold steps on the part of India are required, and that it was not the time for mere rhetoric.
He referred to an "atmosphere of optimism" in the Pakistan-India composite dialogue. He urged that human rights violations in occupied Kashmir must end.
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