--NO PLANS IN THIS REVOLUTION ARE
The recent Pakistani terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir at Uri where 19 Indian Army Jawans were killed, makes me to realise that India at least as a matured nation must start a strong move without feeling hurt, to make sacrifice for attaining a lasting peace in this turbulent sector.
When India attained independence in 1947, Kashmir was ruled by the Maharaja Hari Sing who opted to remain independent by not joining India nor Pakistan. He was a Hindu while majority of his subjects were Muslims among whom most inclined towards Islamic Pakistan. Shortly within 3 months, restless and opportunist Pakistan sent its tribal people (marauders) to grab Kashmir when Maharaja Hari Sing pleaded with Nehru to come to his rescue to save Kashmir from falling into the hands of Pakistan. Just like what he did in Goa, Nehru sent Indian military to Kashmir and in the ensuing war, Pakistan managed to capture 40% of Kashmir which is still in its possession while 60% is held by India.
Then with the initiative of Nehru, this problem was entrusted with UNO to settle. UNO proposed plebiscite after withdrawing the troops from Kashmir by both the countries, starting first by Pakistan which Pakistan failed to do. Since this was the case, there was no plebiscite and thus stalemate occurred because of which lot of enmity and bloodbath going on between the two countries where China strongly supports Pakistan. While India fighting Pakistan, China is giving a helping hand to Pakistan. As long as China is with Pakistan, India will never be able to dictate its terms to Pakistan. In this issue India is also facing besides nuclear power Pakistan, Hydrogen Power China. This means mighty India is facing an Himalayan task because of a small sector of Kashmir and by the way how long India will face this task? Is there no solution for this problem?
Pakistan is a rough nation that does not understand decency, to kill India, Pakistan is ready to die but is India ready for it? Surely not. Because of this small place Kashmir, India is losing so much in men, materials and money thus affecting Indian economy and security. Pakistan will never stop this war it waged against India thru remote control for the sake of Kashmir. India should not make this as a prestige issue, to attain permanent peace, India must first condescend.
In view of this, I feel for peace to prevail, India must propose to have independent sovereign Kashmir comprising Indian and Pakistani Kashmir.
A.Veronica Fernandes.
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