Isn't this then a lovely opportunity to suggest that the plebiscite take place simultaneously all over the earlier administrative areas of Kashmir? That should set a nose or two out of joint! Of course, we run the risk of learning that they, too, want to stay away. Tough.
Regarding the Muslim population outside the Valley, they are ethnically and factionally different from the Valley people; this may or may not affect their choice, but I mention this as a matter of fact. bonobashi --- On Wed, 20/8/08, Divya Sampath <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: Divya Sampath <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [silk] Vir Sanghvi on Kashmir To: [email protected] Date: Wednesday, 20 August, 2008, 2:44 PM While I agree that holding a plebiscite is desirable, it begs the question: where would the plebiscite be held? Would the plebiscite be restricted to the India-controlled areas of Kashmir - the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, Ladakh (including Kargil) and Leh? What about the Pakistan controlled 'Azad Kashmir' (commenly referred to as part of POK, by India) that adjoins the valley? Most informed commentators appear to believe that the only way to create a viable independent Kashmir ('viable' is up for debate) is to join up 'Azad Kashmir' with the Kashmir Valley. Would Pakistan agree to holding a plebiscite in the territory they control, even if only in AK/POK? It's unlikely they would want to hold a plebiscite in the northern areas of the stae, that would threaten the Karakoram Highway, which is their strategic land link with China. And the thought of China agreeing to any sort of plebiscite in any territory controlled by them is laughable. Plus, it's interesting that Vir Sanghvi and other commentators seem to be certain that Jammmu, Ladakh and Leh would opt to stay with India. I don't dispute the broad conclusion, but in that case, is there a reason that the Kashmiri Muslims in Kargil, which is the only muslim-dominated area in Ladakh, are predicted to behave differently from their neighbours in the Valley? cheers, Divya Unlimited freedom, unlimited storage. Get it now, on http://help.yahoo.com/l/in/yahoo/mail/yahoomail/tools/tools-08.html/
