An independent Kashmir

Saturday, August 04, 2012 - This refers to the article by Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai titled “Self-Determination and the issue of Kashmir” published in Pakistan Observer’s issue of 3rd August. The author has scholarly defined the meaning and the applicability of Self-determination and the lingering dispute of Kashmir. Right of self-determination is an inalienable right of people of Kashmir who have offered countless sacrifices to attain the objective. It is ironical that Kashmiris have been paying price of stand-off between two nuclear armed neighbors, India and Pakistan.

Author has rightly pointed out that Independent Kashmir would not be a Kashmir isolated from India and Pakistan, rather it will have friendly ties with both the countries and it would act as buffer between the two. Independent Kashmir will guarantee long lasting peace in the whole region and by virtue of its historical and geographical links will have close ties with Pakistan.

—Srinagar, Kashmir