President Pervez Musharraf's proposals to solve the Kashmir dispute has been called a "betrayal" by opposition groups in Pakistan.
The president outlined a range of options on Monday which include independence for Kashmir, joint control with India or demilitarisation of regions.
Indian foreign ministry spokesman said Kashmir was not a subject on which discussions could be held through the media and if Pakistan had a formal proposal it should present it in official talks.
What is your reaction to Musharraf's options for Kashmir? Could any of the options break the stalemate on Kashmir? Send us your views using the form on the right.
This debate is now closed Thank you for your comments.
Your comments:
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SUGGEST A DEBATE
This topic was suggested by Albert P'Rayan, India:
Is Musharraf genuine in his effort to find a solution to the Kashmir dispute?
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Demilitarisation has to be the best course of action. It will address the insurgents' claims that the Indian army violates their human rights, and is oppresive. So the inhabitants will be happier, and tourism will have a change to make a comeback, making the economy drive the desire for peace, and helping people shun violence. Economically, it is also better for both governments, as the huge drain on resources in terms of military spending will be removed. This is a highly desirable option which we should all thank the General for putting forward. Whosoever now opposes this option will be acting for their own ulterior motives, and not for the people of the two countries or Kashmir. Well done Musharraf!
Azar Khurshid, London, UK
It is really good that President Musharraf has given a serious thought for resolving Kashmir conflict. There should be some sort of international group involved while this agreement is happening, so there will be level of trust for both of countries. and no chance of betryal at later stage.
Jaydeep, India
This is the boldest move made by a politician from either India or Pakistan. It would be insanity on part of the Indian government not to follow up on this plan.
Merlin, India
Pakistan has bled the valley dry over the last 50 years. Even if Pakistan disappeared from the picture, there is so much bad feeling there today that no Indian can claim any moral authority. Like Afghanistan, just stopping terrorist activities will not bring peace overnight. Without some bold moves from Pakistan, there can never be peace. But what about the Kashmiri Hindus, who were driven out by Pakistan backed militants - I don't see any mention of them in the proposed solutions.
Sunil Gomes, Calcutta, India
For many years I have supported nothing short of a free vote by the people of Kashmir to determine their future. Now after years of killings and sufferings, I now accept that we need to explore diffrent options to resolve this dispute. I believe a vast majority of Kashmiris are now willing to accept a compromise solution acceptable to all. I support President Musharraf's comments.
Asif Rehman, Peterborough, UK
Any settlement can not be complete without a thorough judicial process being carried out upon the Indian occupying forces and gross human rights violations.
Atif, London, UK
The large and diverse Indian Subcontinent had a long history of variably encompassing empires long before the British imposed theirs and left the artificial boundaries familiar from modern maps. Separatism (e.g., Muslim Pakistan, on a large scale) lurks in all empires, including those called federations or federal republics. "Stability," as in the former Yugoslavia, is always an imposition. "Nationalists" and other stripes of political power aspirants will always try to blow the pressure-cooker lid off by militant agitations. The world map is as changeable as ladies' fashions.
Larry Stout, Port Charlotte, Florida, USA
It is about time that this issue was resolved and the two countries cooperated in terms of mutual interests and economic progress. What about listening to what the Kashmiris want? I think the only real solution is for the UN to intervene and get them to decide without interference from India and Pakistan. I back Kashmir being part of Pakistan simply because Pakistan has been backing Kashmir throughout. It may not be the ideal backing, but with Dictators and Feudal Lords in power who have the least interest in the nation's well-being- Pakistan did a good job.
Osman Ahmed, Aberdeen, UK
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They should seize the moment and voice their opinions
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Pakistani citizens and politicians should realize that a debate is being initiated after a long stalemate. They should seize the moment and voice their opinions. And maybe we'll come to some sort of mutually agreeable solution to this age old dispute...
Salman, California, US
I think this is the boldest step taken by any leader in the South Asia. This is by far only option available to Pakistan and India or else Kashmir conflict will remain alive for our generation to come.
Khurram Khan, Charlotte, NC, USA
Considering the amount of resources in both men and money, the countries have spent over the last two decades, any sort of proposal to end this senseless conflict should be welcomed. The politicians in both countries care nothing about the Kashmiris and are badly informed. They rile and rant whenever someone makes peace proposals about Kashmir. I do feel that the Indian government should take a hard look at the proposals the General is talking about. The General himself has a history of deception (remember Kargil and Lahore) but surely it can't get any worse. We should listen to what he has to say.
R.Venugopal, Delhi, India
In the changed geo-political scenario, the Musharraf proposal is the most sane suggestion and also the more practicable. Only people with a vested interest will oppose his proposals and these are people who thrive on blood.
Sajjad, Srinagar, Kashmir
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