Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, a prominent Kashmiri leader, outlined a comprehensive and strategic roadmap for resolving the longstanding Kashmir dispute. He emphasized that the long-standing Kashmir conflict, which has been a source of tension for decades, requires concrete action, flexibility, and meaningful dialogue for a resolution.
In an exclusive interview with Kashmir Diary, Dr. Fai, the Secretary General of the World Kashmir Awareness Forum, Chairman of the World Forum for Peace & Justice, and the founder of several international organizations advocating for Kashmir, emphasized dialogue, non-violence, demilitarization, and a phased, inclusive peace process centered on the needs and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
Fai stressed the need for a shift from words to actions. He argued that the Kashmir issue has been mired in decades of arguments and counterarguments, preventing any real progress. “Contemplating actions rather than words and gestures should consciously cut through the tangle of arguments that have trapped this issue for over seventy years,” Fai remarked. He believes that action must take precedence in resolving the conflict, with the parties involved focusing on tangible steps instead of relying on ineffective rhetoric.
Central to Fai’s perspective is the belief that there cannot be a military solution to the Kashmir issue. “Any military solution is bound to invite challenge,” he said, adding that it is crucial to exclude the Line of Control (LoC) as a boundary between India and Pakistan. For Kashmiris, the LoC is merely a ceasefire line with no legitimacy beyond its military origins. According to Fai, it is not a boundary that has any bearing on the lives of the people on either side, and its perpetuation would only serve to maintain the status quo rather than resolve the conflict. “The LoC has existed as the Line of Conflict, and its perpetuation would mean not the solution but the perpetuation of the dispute,” he stated.
Fai emphasized that, in order to make progress, there must be a ceasefire from all sides during the negotiation process. “Negotiations cannot be carried out at a time when parties are trying to kill each other,” he pointed out. This ceasefire, according to Fai, must be unconditional, with no preconditions from any party except a commitment to non-violence and negotiations.
Another crucial component of Fai’s vision is the necessity for a secular, inclusive peace plan. He argued that the peace process should be based on factors such as language, history, culture, and the geography of the region, rather than religious affiliations. The peace plan, Fai insisted, should not be about identifying the “correct” solution but about determining how to arrive at a solution. The process should engage the people of all regions of Jammu and Kashmir, allowing them to work out a settlement themselves, without external constraints.
In addition, Fai proposed a multi-stage plan, which would include a transitional phase leading to a definitive settlement. This phase, he argued, is critical to avoid rushing the process and potentially introducing explosive factors that could derail the peace effort. The agreement should be simple, not based on complex understandings, which might be difficult to maintain over time.
Fai also stressed the importance of demilitarization. He suggested that the demilitarization of Kashmir should be the first step in the peace process, detached from the claims and positions of the three parties involved: India, Pakistan, and the people of Kashmir. This move, he believes, would create a peaceful environment necessary for subsequent negotiations. Fai proposed that Indian and Pakistani forces should gradually reduce their presence along the borders outside of Kashmir, and once the peace process is set in motion, the political rights of the involved parties can be addressed in a non-violent atmosphere.
To strengthen the peace process, Fai recommended the full restoration of civil liberties in Kashmir. He underscored that the freedom to express opinions peacefully on the future of Kashmir is essential. “A suppression of this freedom means empowering terrorist elements,” Fai explained, adding that such suppression ultimately destabilizes not only Kashmir but also Pakistan, which in turn is detrimental to India’s interests as well. By restoring civil liberties, Fai believes the environment for peace can be significantly improved.
Fai also expressed his belief that Kashmir’s resolution is achievable if all parties involved—India, Pakistan, and the Kashmiri people—show flexibility and make necessary sacrifices. Finding a solution that satisfies the sensitivities of India, respects Pakistan’s concerns, and ensures the unity of Jammu and Kashmir while safeguarding the rights of all the people of the state is a complex challenge. However, Fai remains hopeful, stating that an imaginative solution is possible through creative compromise.
In line with his call for a peaceful and inclusive resolution, Fai proposed that the Kashmiri leadership should be open to dialogue with the Indian government, provided a non-violent environment is established.
In his proposed roadmap for a peaceful resolution, Fai outlined a series of critical measures to create an environment conducive to dialogue and lasting peace in Kashmir. He called for the immediate cessation of military and paramilitary actions against the civilian population, urging all parties to cease hostilities to foster a non-violent atmosphere. Additionally, Fai recommended the withdrawal of military presence from towns and villages, which would help reduce the tension and enable normal life to resume. Another key proposal was the dismantling of bunkers, watch towers, and barricades, which would further demilitarize the region and ease the daily hardships of civilians.
Fai also emphasized the importance of the unconditional release of all political prisoners, noting that this would be an essential step in restoring trust and ensuring that all voices in Kashmir can contribute to the peace process. He highlighted the need to annul repressive laws, particularly the Domicile Law, which he claimed is designed to alter the demographics of Kashmir, creating further unrest.
Furthermore, Fai advocated for the restoration of the rights of peaceful association, assembly, and demonstration, allowing the people of Kashmir to express their views freely. He also stressed the importance of allowing Kashmiri leadership that supports a negotiated solution to travel abroad without hindrance, ensuring they can engage with the international community. Finally, he proposed issuing visas to the Diaspora Kashmiri leadership, enabling them to visit Jammu and Kashmir and help sustain the peace process from within.
Fai concluded by reiterating his belief that peace is achievable. He emphasized the importance of goodwill, patience, and a shared commitment to justice. While it may be impossible to create a solution that fully satisfies all stakeholders, Fai remains hopeful that a creative and inclusive solution is within reach.
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