[Reader-list] Invitation for Discussion on Civil Society Concerns about Dialogue

[Khurram Parvez]

Dear Friends,
 

Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) cordially invites you to participate in a discussion, “Civil Society Concerns about Dialogue”.  
 
The programme will be held at:
Hotel Grand Mumtaz
11 Maulana Azad Road , Srinagar
Phone: 2450281/2452548 
 
The programme will be convened on:
Sunday 15th November 2009 at 01:00 p.m.
  
The aim of the
program is to discuss civil society concerns about the expected
dialogue between what the Indian state calls “all stakeholders” in
Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi . It is of paramount importance that
the content of this dialogue is clearly understood among the civil
society, the primary stakeholders in any such process that embarks upon
determining the political status of a people.             Dialogue by its
very nature is between two equal stakeholders. The stakeholders as far
as the Indian pronouncements are concerned are not clearly defined at
all. Indian Prime Minister has already made government of India ’s
agenda about the Kashmir dialogue clear. New Delhi is entering the
dialogue for “final reconciliation so that peace can be achieved for
development and reconstruction” in Jammu and Kashmir .
In this program
we would like to facilitate a discussion on the below mentioned
concerns about the objectives and possible directions of this fresh
engagement with New Delhi that is most likely to begin soon.
 
Clear acknowledgement of people’s liberation
struggle in its true historical perspective should be the basis of
initiating any kind of talks/dialogue.Indian state is talking in contradictory terms.
Its army commanders are labeling street protests as terrorism and
vowing not to leave the civilian areas, while its home minister is
talking about a “unique political solution for Jammu and Kashmir .”
Besides India has not reviewed its arbitrary constitutional position on
Kashmir .Who is going to talk to whom? If the stakeholders
include pro-India participatory parties like the PDP and NC, who are
already wedded to accession of J&K to India , then what is there to
negotiate about? Should leaders who represent resistance to Indian rule
in J&K agree to be equals in a dialogue with those who have carried
forward Indian policies in the disputed region since its existence? If
so, then the dialogue is about administrative matters, transfer/sharing
of power, Indian security concerns and not about determining the
political status/sovereignty of Jammu and Kashmir . What is the negotiating position that a section
of Kashmir resistance leaders are taking to the table? Will the
dialogue be guided by the principle of right to self determination? The political struggle in Jammu & Kashmir has
been against Indian rule. Are those who would enter a dialogue with New
Delhi going to talk about disengagement with India in any other form
than the right of self determination? The Indian Home Minister does not have the
authority to discuss sovereignty. Can he be accepted as New Delhi ’s
interlocutor in any dialogue for the final status of Jammu &
Kashmir? The agenda and format of the dialogue for political rights must be transparent and made public.If and when any conclusions are agreed upon
between the parties, how is the agreement proposed to be put to public
vote in order for it to be democratically endorsed by the people – the
primary stakeholders? And, how would the condition on ground be made conducive for that endorsement to materialize?Will this talks/dialogue process dilute the international character of the Kashmir issue.
 
It is also
proposed that at the end of this discussion we would reach a consensus
about civil society questions to and demands from those leaders who may
go to the negotiating table with New Delhi representing us.
 
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any clarification or further information.
 
We are looking forward to your participation. 
 
Thank you,
 
Program Coordinator
Khurram Parvez
Mobile : 9419013553
Email: kparvez at kashmirprocess.org