The symbolism could hardly have been greater. As a Kashmiri delegation crossed the Line of Control on Thursday from Indian-controlled to Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, doves of peace were released and flew nervously up into the sky. Though some hawks remain, intent upon destroying the still-fragile process, this was another landmark day along the cautious road to peace. The event was a further demonstration of the statesmanship coming from both New Delhi and Islamabad as the two nuclear powers edge toward a lasting settlement. The nine-man delegation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, the main political separatist alliance, crossed the LOC without Indian passports or Pakistani visas. They were simply Kashmiris moving from one part of their homeland to another. Crowds on both sides of the LOC watched and applauded the crossing. In themselves, the talks in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, were hardly less significant than the manner of the visit, because they were a recognition that no settlement of the Kashmiri dispute can come about without the involvement of Kashmiris.
The reinauguration in April of a bus service which crossed the LoC was a potent demonstration of people power. That first bus trip could not have taken place without the support of both the Indian and Pakistani authorities but even their efforts were threatened by hard-line separatists who promised dire consequences to anyone attempting the trip. Despite a vicious attack on travelers the night before the departure and attempts to disrupt the bus’ progress the next day, the passengers were not dissuaded. The determination of ordinary Kashmiris triumphed and the bus made the journey to its destination. Tragically, what did not get through was the message which the bravery of these people spelled out. They had had enough of confrontation and violence. They wanted peace. Yet resolute hard-liners still reject the peace process and have continued a campaign of violence, not just against the Indian authorities but against moderate Kashmiris.
It was, of course, no surprise that extremists refused to have anything to do with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference delegation on Thursday. Yet the extremists’ professed belief that the Pakistan government has made too many concessions in return for too few from the Indian government demonstrates how out of touch they are with reality and how almost 20 years of violence and insurrection have blunted their judgment.
Inherent in the cautious moves being made by New Delhi and Islamabad is the recognition at long last that in the end, the future of Kashmir is going to rest largely in the hands of the Kashmiris themselves. If there ever was a legitimate time for violence, that time has now gone. Now is the moment to look for political solutions that will embrace the interests of all Kashmiris. Those who reject the peace process still have the power to maim and kill but after so much horrific violence, they have lost the ability to influence the course of events, unless they put aside their weapons and join the talks.
