I know the history of Kashmir though I cannot fathom what’s behind the current problems.
Please enlighten me with answers to the following connected questions. 1. The Kashmiris want a country independent of India and Pakistan. Why can’t they get it? 2. There are no problems with Kashmiris living in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Why are they having problems only on the Indian side. 3. Is it because India has a bad history with the minorities and they cannot trust it. 4. Why cannot there be a single referendum that includes both sides? And then deal with the results as a democracy would. 5. Will India always be in a position of having to maintain an occupying force to subdue the local populace. 6. If India believes that Kashmir is an integral part of Indian territory, why do special conditions apply there and why does the Indian Govt not open the doors to all Indians to live there like they did to Goa? 7. The only bone of contention between India and Pakistan is Kashmir. Will the country not progress much more speedily unburdened with an arms race. 8. Why not submit to binding arbitration decided upon by a panel of countries that both trust. 9. Isn’t India being unnecessarily strident with both its northern neighbours Pakistan and China to its own detriment? Roland. Toronto.
