5. Ceasefire: Analysis of Peace Initiative
In a Frontline Magazine essay, Praveen Swami argues that despite vitriolic statements to the contrary, it appears that militant groups in Kashmir were honoring the ceasefire and were themselves suffering divisions over the ceasefire issue.
"Seizing the initiative"
An editorial in The Dawn stated that Frontline Magazine argued that not only are there divisions among militant groups over how to approach the ceasefire, Indian ministries are also divided over the future of the ceasefire and whether or how Pakistan can be involved in the process. The editorial also pointed to an Outlook India poll in Kashmir that showed that 39 percent of Kashmiris held both militant groups and the Indian government responsible for violence in Kashmir.
"Kashmir: A glimmer of hope"
An editorial in The Dawn argued that while India has not accepted Pakistan's offer of tripartite talks, India says that Pakistan will be involved in talks with militants at a later time. The editorial argues that the barriers to talks are not insurmountable, though India has taken a two-track approach to Pakistan, projecting toughness domestically while internationally seeming accommodative.
"Beyond the ceasefire"
V. Sudarshan, writing in Outlook India, states that sources indicate that the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference agrees that violence must stop if there is to be a meaningful political process. Sudarshan also relates the dilemma that Pakistan faces: if it continues to support violence then it risks alienating Kashmiris tired of the violence, but if Pakistan stops the violence then it loses its lever in Kashmir. Sudarshan argues that it is in the interest of the APHC for Pakistan to be included in talks so that Pakistan ceases support of militant groups. However, it is also in the Kashmiris' interest for Pakistan to participate in talks to increase their leverage with India.
"The Quiet of Unease"
A.G. Noorani argues in an essay for Frontline Magazine that Indian Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee's ceasefire will only make political sense if he is willing to invite Pakistan to resume the Lahore process and invite the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference separately to dialogue.
"ANALYSIS"