A briefing paper on Kashmir presented in the European Parliament on Wednesday in a way is a manifestation of evolving recognition and realization of the reality that the settlement of Kashmir dispute is inescapably linked to peace and stability in south Asia. The briefing paper titled “Kashmir: 70 years of dispute” at a glance not only shows growing concern of the international community vis-à-vis the worsening human rights situation in the Indian held territory of Jammu and Kashmir but also nullifies the Indian narrative on Kashmir.
The well documented paper prepared by the EU Parliament’s Research Service, which provides a succinct summary of the key findings, causes and consequences of the lingering dispute says that “Kashmir, located between China, India and Pakistan, has been at the heart of a complex, 70-year dispute between Delhi and Islamabad, which has strained bilateral relations and impeded the development of stronger ties in the whole of South Asia”. It also mentions that in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, an uprising against Delhi’s rule has been ongoing since 1989”. In a reference to plebiscite the document says that the UN resolution 47 (1948) laid out the steps for holding a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir but due to various reasons the plebiscite was never held. Regarding the peaceful settlement of dispute the Paper while mentioning European Union’s stand on the issue, says that the EU firmly upholds the resolution of disputes through dialogue and constructive engagement between the key stakeholders.
While referring to recently published UNHCR report on Kashmir the Paper pointed out that the first-ever UN human rights report calls for establishing a commission of inquiry into the multiple violations committed by Indian troops in the region. Though the document has been prepared for, and addressed to, the Members and staff of the European Parliament as background material to assist them in their parliamentary work but the important aspect of the report is that this document provides an excellent overview of the current situation in Kashmir and rejects the Indian contention that whatever is happening in Kashmir is a law and order problem. The European parliament has always raised it voice in support of Kashmiris’ right to self determination and condemned the gross human rights violations committed by Indian troops in Kashmir. It also sent a delegation to Kashmir a couple of years back, which gave an eye opening report. The delegates after concluding their visit had termed Kashmir as “the most beautiful prison of the world”. In July 2008, the European Parliament had adopted a resolution calling on India’s government to ensure independent and impartial investigations into all mass graves.
The fresh document on Kashmir will certainly be helpful for EU parliamentarians in understanding the genesis of Kashmir dispute. On the other hand it provides ample material for Kashmir Lobby groups in Europe to counter the Indian propaganda against Kashmiris’ legitimate struggle besides sensitizing the international community about the perils of festering conflict and its impact on the region.
