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Further, Singh's suggestion that a peaceful atmosphere at the Line of Control would greatly assist the use of land and water resources in the divided region, by people on both sides of the barrier, is worth a thought. It would also support the dialogue between India and Pakistan which, according to him, "should continue despite difficulties."
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been of a very serious nature over the last 60 years, leading to three wars -- in 1947, 1965 and 1971 -- and also the Kargil conflict of 1999. The sufferings of the common people of both countries due to this tension are numerous, though I need not elaborate them here. But it is now time for India and Pakistan to resolve all their disputes, particularly the Kashmir issue, in a mutually acceptable and peaceful manner, through continuous dialogue. This process is the best way, and in my opinion, there is no problem in the world that cannot be resolved through it.
However, if there is hope of a positive result from such discussions, and an urge to proceed in the peace process, then it is necessary for both parties to be serious, to be ready to accept reality and also to make sacrifices.
Since it is necessary first to create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to a fruitful dialogue, ultimately resulting in a solution based on the win-win principle, the suggestion by Dr. Manmohan Singh regarding transforming the Line of Control into a Line of Peace should be well received by both sides. It could pave the way toward a solution of the problem --with the serious commitment of both sides, and the willingness to sacrifice, as the nucleus of the solution.
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(Dr. Ravindra Kumar is a renowned Gandhian scholar, India expert and writer. He is the former vice chancellor of CCS University in Meerut, India. He holds a doctorate in political science. ©Copyright Ravindra Kumar.)
