While I agree that holding a plebiscite is desirable, it begs the question:
where would the plebiscite be held?
Would the plebiscite be restricted to the India-controlled areas of Kashmir -
the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, Ladakh (including Kargil) and Leh? What about the
Pakistan controlled 'Azad Kashmir' (commenly referred to as part of POK, by
India) that adjoins the valley? Most informed commentators appear to believe
that the only way to create a viable independent Kashmir ('viable' is up for
debate) is to join up 'Azad Kashmir' with the Kashmir Valley. Would Pakistan
agree to holding a plebiscite in the territory they control, even if only in
AK/POK? It's unlikely they would want to hold a plebiscite in the northern
areas of the stae, that would threaten the Karakoram Highway, which is their
strategic land link with China. And the thought of China agreeing to any sort
of plebiscite in any territory controlled by them is laughable.
Plus, it's interesting that Vir Sanghvi and other commentators seem to be
certain that Jammmu, Ladakh and Leh would opt to stay with India. I don't
dispute the broad conclusion, but in that case, is there a reason that the
Kashmiri Muslims in Kargil, which is the only muslim-dominated area in Ladakh,
are predicted to behave differently from their neighbours in the Valley?
cheers,
Divya
