The Indian government's decision to release several Kashmiri separatists from the All Party Hurriyat Conference is an interesting gamble: On the one hand, it attempts to take the high road; on the other, it is perhaps meant for propaganda purposes. Perhaps, to be charitable, it is a genuine attempt at WHAM -- winning the hearts and minds of the people.

I am dubious, however. All sorts of palaver with these people, even if they actually have any popular support, will never put an end to the proxy war waged by Pakistan in the region. The war is a necessity for Pakistan's self-image and their army's existence.

Furthermore, I am baffled by all the talk of the special nature of the Kashmiris -- the 'Kashmiriyat' thing. I fail to understand why they are so different from other Indians that none of us can buy land in that state. There is a school of thought that the only permanent solution is demographic warfare -- flood the state with people from other parts of India -- exactly as the Pakistanis have filled Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with Punjabis. Or China with Han Chinese in Tibet. Or Israel with Jewish settlers in Palestine.

rest of the article is at http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/apr/13rajeev.htm

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