4. Commentary on Summit
The Indian Council for Social Science Research held a two-day conference at which participants stressed the need for the (now concluded) summit to agree on specific confidence building measures between India and Pakistan. They recommended specific contacts between civil society groups, easing of media reporting and an easing of visa regulations to facilitate exchanges and contacts. Pakistani delegates were reportedly critical of Pakistani legislators for their "scant regard for democratic process."
"Pak, Indian experts call for more CBMs"
An editorial in the Times of India by Ayesha Haroon argues that India's high defense spending creates a regional problem by forcing India's neighbors to also spend on defense, as evidenced by the arms inflow into Sri Lanka and the India-Bangladesh border skirmish. Haroon also argues that India's pre-summit goodwill gestures, such as freeing Pakistani fishermen and offering scholarships, have no relevance to solving the essential issues in India-Pakistan bilateral relations. Haroon advocates the inclusion of Kashmiri groups in the talks.
"Let's Talk Kashmir"
Dileep Padgaonkar argues in the Times of India that, while the Pakistani press may believe that India was forced by gains by the militancy to invite Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Musharraf will need to agree that Kashmir can be discussed only within the larger context of India-Pakistan relations. Padgoankar also argues India must address the alienation of Kashmiris.
"Clouds Over Agra"
Retired Major General Ashok Krishna, Deputy Director of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, provides a historical rationale for why Pakistan does not have a claim upon Kashmir. Krishna relates that Indian political leaders, rejecting independence for Kashmir, wanted the Kashmiris to decide to link their future to either Pakistan or India through a plebiscite, as had been done in other Princely states. Krishna states that it is with the Kashmiri Maharaja's plea to India for assistance in repelling an armed invasion from Pakistan in 1947 that Kashmir acceded to India, permitting India to legally repel the Pakistani force. As a result, Kashmir is divided along the ceasefire Line of Control.
"Is Kashmir An Issue?"
Seema Guha writes in the Times of India that both Indian Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf seek to rewrite history on their own terms, with the positions of the countries they represent remaining fixed regarding Kashmir. Pakistan maintains that Kashmir is the primary issue while India argues that there are many other issues, including Pakistan's sponsorship of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.
"PM, General want to rewrite history"
Prem Shankar Jha writes in Outlook India that India's pre-summit strategy of new concessions has led Pakistan to believe that India will focus on Kashmir last.
The Moment Of Truth