From Legalism to Realism in Kashmir: Internationalising the Line of Control
Heidelberg Papers in South Asian and Comparative Politics From Legalism to Realism in Kashmir: Internationalising the Line of Control by Partha S. Ghosh Working Paper No. 7 September 2002 South Asia Institute Department of Political Science University of Heidelberg From Legalism to Realism in Kashmir Internationalising the Line of Control PARTHA S. GHOSH Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi1 In 2002, Kashmir once again virtually led the two countries, India and Pakistan, to another war. And this time the fear was that it could even escalate into a nuclear war. Had it not been for the enormous pressure built upon both the states by the international community, most notably the United States, the matters could have gone out of hand. But the problem of deep distrust with which both the states seem to be congenitally afflicted still remains. Drawing upon historical sources and current politics, the article explores the recognition of the line of control that separates India controlled parts of Jammu and Kashmir from the areas under Pakistani control as a possible solution to this vexed issue. THE BACKDROP In 1996, following the parliamentary and assembly elections held in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in June and September, respectively, notwithstanding conflicting reports about their fairness,2 it seemed that that round too had gone in 1 Partha S. Ghosh is currently a Director at the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi. 2 Two kinds of views were expressed in the Indian press after the parliamentary election held in June 1996, one, that the election was a farce as the security forces had coerced the people to vote, and two, that there was spontaneous response on the part of the people to participate in the election which was reflected in the turn out of voters, though small.
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