Kashmir Bridgebuilding
By Brian Cox, et al on 15 December 2005
Joint Statement
We the members of civil society of the state of Jammu and Kashmir are gathered in Kathmandu, Nepal on November 11 - 14th, 2005, under the auspices of the International Centre for Religion and Diplomacy based in Washington D.C. We come from both sides of the Line of Control and from the regions of Azad Kashmir, Kashmir Valley, Jammu & Ladakh. We are people of faith. We are Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists who believe that faith-based reconciliation is a key to the peace process and to the future prosperity of the Kashmir region.
We are committed to a pluralistic vision of the community and the restoration of human values. As such, we believe that the return of Kashmiri Pandits and all displaced persons to their homeland is central to the peace and normalcy. Therefore, we urge both the governments and civil society to facilitate this process as a matter of great priority.
We are committed to an inclusive community and to demolish the walls of hostility that exist among the various identity-based groups. As such we express appreciation to the governments of Pakistan and India for creating the openings in the Line of Control. However, we encourage all means possible to allow the free flow of Kashmiris so that there might be healing and restoration among us. We also deplore violence in any form from any side.
We are committed to the peace process between India and Pakistan, especially as it relates to Kashmir. As such, we see the need for a unified Kashmiri voice to emerge so that the legitimate aspirations of the people of the State of Jammu & Kashmir might be heard, understood and be given proper respect by India and Pakistan. We also urge the members of civil society to take an active role in the peace process.
We are committed to social justice as a key foundation of Kashmir society. We are committed to sharing power and privilege among different identity-based groups. As such we urge the governments to set up the mechanisms to facilitate the economic restitution and restoration of land and businesses to Kashmir Pandits and all other displaced persons.
We propose that the principles of Human Rights and the essential moral and ethical values of religions be made a standard part of all school curriculums and that security forces be trained in respectful treatment of citizens.
We are committed to a process of forgiveness among Kashmiri people as essential to creating a better future together. We are committed to healing the wounds of our history. Collectively we grieve the sale of Kashmir by the British in 1846 and ask them to apologize. We call for the establishment of a “Kashmir Truth & Reconciliation Commission” as a means of exposing human rights violations and other wrong doing with an eye towards justice and healing rather than revenge.
We urge the international community to support the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan. We urge the governments of India and Pakistan to involve all identity-based groups and regions in the dialogue and negotiations leading to the resolution of the Kashmir conflict. We urge all Kashmiris regardless of their religious traditions to pray for peace and reconciliation in our land.
We depart from Kathmandu with a sense of hope and joy at having been together from across the Line of Control and different regions of the State of Jammu & Kashmir. We believe that faith-based reconciliation in Jammu & Kashmir is an idea whose time has come.
Shah Ghulam Qadir
Dr. K.L.Chowdhary
Sardar Amjad Yousaf
A.R.Hanjura advocate
Sardar Usman Ali Khan
Dr. Dauood Iqbal Baba
Sardar Azhar Nazar
Rakesh Kar
Chaudhary Ilyas Advocate
Hamid Nasim Rafiabadi
Sardar Tahir Aziz
Muhammad Ramzan Khan
lftikhar Ahmed Bazmi
Uzera Shah
Tsering Tsomo
Maria lqbal Tarana
Vir Ji Saraf
_______________________
Brian Cox, ICRD (Witness)
Last updated 12 January 2009