Dr Shaheen Akhtar
Dr Shaheen Akhtar is Research Fellow at the Institute of Regional Studies. She specializes in regional security, conflict resolution, environment and water security issues in the South Asian Region.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: India, Pakistan, Kashmir, sovereignty, LoC, cross-LoC interactions, CBMs, operational difficulties, travel, trade, people centric
Abstract
The India Pakistan dispute has remained unsolved since Independence. Their Kashmir policies are driven by integrity and territorial sovereignity. Peace talks on Kashmir have been unsuccessful. Using the conflict transformation approach, which holds that changing the conflict structure from a war system to a peaceful system is possible, this research looks at the potential transformative value of the existing patterns of cross-LoC interactions. It claims that allowing more people to people contacts in between Kashmir as it could help reduce tensions in Kashmir and put its people at the centre of efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It will shift the focus of the problem from the state to the people, which will finally lead to a peaceful resolution. Therefore, it is crucial to institutionalise travel and trade links across the LoC and eliminate all operational barriers that prevent the implementation of the agreed-upon cross-LoC CBMs. It identifies key issues in cross-LoC interactions, especially in travel, trade, and intra-Kashmiri dialogue, and investigates potential solutions to facilitate the implementation of the steps agreed upon by both parties. The paper also gives recommendations for future peace talks.
First Published
December 25, 2011
How to Cite
Dr Shaheen Akhtar, “Expanding Cross-Loc Interactions: A Conflict Transformation Approach to Kashmir,” Regional Studies 30, no.1 (Winter 2011-12): 3-37, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/expanding-cross-loc-interactions-a-conflict-transformation-approach-to-kashmir/
Issue
Volume 30, Issue 1