In response to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mukto-mona/message/4662

Dear Mr. Muzamil,

I was moved by your accounts, although they were nothing new. I
sympathize with you, no, not as a great, conscientious soul, but as a
simple human being, like anybody else could do. The reason is nothing
but death. It is death which torments, you and me alike.

But I'm confused. Today it's not the question of what had happened in
1947. there can be an endless row of debate and logic about the
legitimacy of the instrument of accession. But there cannot be any doubt
about the fact that Pakistan forced it into being. What could happen had
there been no invasion and plunder of the free Kashmir by
Pakistan-sponsored tribal, religious zealots is simply a matter of
guess. But that India couldn't go for the promised plebiscite and the
right to self determination is because of the Pakistan phenomenon is
crystal clear. It would never be a self-determination anymore. It must
have been determined by Pak agenda, which of course remains unacceptable
by any Indian citizen, leave aside the government. To me also, however
conscientious I might claim myself to be.
I personally feel that many of us, and must be many in the successive
Indian govts as well, are unhappy and sorry and riddled with feelings of
guilt. But it's a sad affair. We all are in a fix, and Pakistan is
squarely responsible for that, for bringing this whole situation into
being.

Today, it's pointless to ponder on what happened and why. There have to
come suggestions. Why is there no mass movement in the POK? Had there
been one, it could be a step towards the solution. It could prove with
more clarity the urge for self-determination of the Kashmiris to be
really free. No, I'm not casting a doubt on their longing for freedom by
saying this. But you know many things in politics need to be seen
clearly. The present day situation hints at a Pak bias in the whole
affair, which no Indian government can accept either theoritically or
practically. It is potentially dangerous for our very own security and
existence in that region. Please tell me if we as Indians can really
sacrifice that. What would you think on a personal level, had you put
yourself in some position of the Indian government?
In the present day context, it is even more dangerous when we see the
apparent nexus between the Kashmir issue and Pakistan. That gives us
goose bumps, that creates a feeling of shock and worry about the muslim
fundamentalism, a pan-islamic naitonalist feeling, which is very much
into existence and which is unaccetable in a world that speaks of
nations states and not religion states.

Anybody please tell India what reallly to do about all this. Actually we
are in a helpless and no-win situation. We are forced to bleed you as
well as ourselves everyday. It's a deadlock. It's ridiculous that today
there's this talk with Pakistan about Kashmir and not with
Kashmiris. Even the Kashmiri freedom fighters too want Pakistan as a
party to the talk. Doesn't it tend to legitimize Pakistan's "claim" on
the Kashimiri land and people? Do you think that is right? If, right,
then on what ground? On the ground of a socalled common religion? And if
right, then why not the legitimacy of the Indian "claim"?

Today Kashmir has become the bone of contention between two street dogs
which are India and Pakistan. Yes, being an Indian I'm obliged to call
my country a street dog in this context because that's what the truth
is. Yes, I know we have rigged elections and created desparation. But
the very fact is we are living in a jungle as far as kashmir is
concerned. And when you live in a jungle you cannot but convert yourself
to a beast. That's just for the sake of survival.

Regards,
Subarno