India fends off Kashmir critics

Critics say ceasefire has brought no peace to Kashmir

By South Asia analyst Alastair Lawson

The decision by the Indian government to extend its ceasefire in Kashmir is not without its critics, both within the coalition government and among the opposition.

Some argue that the ceasefire has not brought an end to separatist militancy, which has increased in recent weeks.

Neither has it received a favourable response on the streets of Srinagar, they argue, where demonstrations against the Indian presence in Kashmir have been as angry and vociferous as ever.

Delhi says violence is not out of control

Those opposed to the ceasefire point out that the government's aim of using it as a means to encourage more moderate political activity in Kashmir has also failed.

Peace process stalled

The government's overtures to the militant group, Hizbul Mujahideen, to enter peace negotiations appear to have grounded to a halt.

And recently several key members of the main separatist alliance, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, were imprisoned.

Delhi has still given no indication as to whether it will, for the first time, grant permission for a Hurriyat delegation to travel to Islamabad for talks with the government and Pakistan-based militant groups.

This is widely seen as a move which would significantly push forward the peace process.

Benefits

Yet the ceasefire has had its benefits.

The level of artillery exchanges across the Line of Control which divides Indian and Pakistani administered Kashmir has declined significantly.

The government says that while militancy may have increased in Kashmir, the level of violence has not escalated out of control.

This is because under the terms of the ceasefire, troops and paramilitary forces have only targeted militants in self defence.

Delhi argues that the ceasefire has won India praise from both at home and abroad, where it is credited for seizing the initiative and for actively taking concrete steps to bring the Kashmir conflict to an end.

Indian diplomats point out that, in contrast, Pakistan is now seen by many countries as not pulling its weight in the Kashmir peace process, because it has not taken sufficient measures to stop militants from operating in Kashmir from bases in Pakistan.

Fostering moderation

India concedes that while there has been little progress in developing more constitutional party politics in Kashmir, the ceasefire has nevertheless fostered a climate of moderate political activity.

There is now a strong feeling among the Indian government and opposition that the ceasefire offers Kashmir one its best chances for peace since the conflict began 10 years ago.

India says that it should not be seen as an end to itself, but as a basis by which a permanent solution can be found.

Pakistan says that India can do more, and that face to face talks between the Indian Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee and the Pakistani leader, General Pervez Musharraf, should begin immediately.