Venue: Conventional Centre, Islamabad
Dated:  March 16 & 17, 2007

Organizers
Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) and Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) 

Inaugural Session
Inam-ul-Haque, Chairman (ISSI), Shah Ghulam Qadir, Chairman (KIIR) and Major (Retd) Tahir Iqbal Federal Minister for Kashmir Affair welcomed the guests and notables of the conference.

Addressing to the participants, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said, "Pakistan has entered into a dialogue process with India with firm commitment and sincere hope of resolving the Kashmir dispute.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz emphasized that the Kashmiris have shown exemplary steadfastness and an indomitable spirit in their just struggle to achieve their right of self-determination, and in the course of the struggle they have been subjected to unimaginable suffering and repression.

Dignitaries, Experts, diplomats and large number of participants of civil society from Azad Jammu and Kashmir attended the conference.

Group-I:  Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir

Group-II: Step-by-Step Approach to Self-Determination: Identification of the Area; Demilitarization; Self-                 Governance; Joint Management

Group-III: Learning from Models of Conflict Resolution and Peace Process

GROUP 1

Participants: Human Rights & Justice in Kashmir
Chaired by: Prof. Abdul Ghani Butt, Former Chairman APHC

Participants:

• Ms. Marjan Lucas,
  IKV, The Netherlands
  
  
• Victoria Schofield
  Famous Writer, UK
  
  
• Mr. Toru Ito
  Shimore University,  Japan
  
  
• Raja Iftikhar Ayub,
  Member AJKC Adviser
  
  
• Ashfaq A. Hashmi,
  Journalist
  
  
• Inaytullah Khan Shimali,
  Chairman GBNA, Gilgit
  
  
• Dr. Muzaffar Ali Relay,
  MNALC, Sec.Gen. GBNA
  
  
• Capt. (Retd) Sikandar Ali
  Advisor Northern Areas
  
  
• Ch. Muhamad Rashid
  MLA, AJ&K
  
  
• Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri
  Secretary Foreign Relations,
  Jamaat-i-Islami, Indian Held Kashmir
  
  
• Prof. Shafique-ur-Rehman
  Director, Institute of Kashmir Studies, AJK University, Muzzafarabad
  
  
• M. Farooq Rehmani
  APHC
  
  
• Mohammad Siddique
  Smallbridge, UK
  
  
• Mr. Matloob Hussain
  Rockdale, UK
  
  
• Prof. Taqdees Gillani
  
  
• Mrs. Noreenn Arif, MLA
  
  
• Ms. Mehrun Nissa, MLA
  
  
• Mir Tahir Masood
  APHC
  
  
• Agha Syed Mujtaba Abbas
  APHC
  
  
• Shaikh Farooq, JKPL
  
  
• Ab. Majeed Malik, APHC
  
  
• Ghulam Muhammad Safi
  Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, J&K
  
  
• Shaikh Tajammul Islam
  Kashmir Media Service
  
  
• Dr. Yasin Rehman
  UK Kashmir Group
  
  
• Dr. Abdul Ala
  
  
• Mr. Sajjad Ahmad Warraich
  AJK Council
  
  
• Mirza Tanveer, activit
  KIIR

Recommendations

• Without provision of justice, human rights can not be improved
  
• Anger of subjugation and indignity can be reduced by giving equal opportunity rather than through political hegemony
  
• Grievances of the people can be redressed through under-standing their aspirations and needs
  
• Humility must be stopped at check posts
  
• Repeated checking of youngsters at different camps after releasing from jail shall stop
  
• Draconian laws must be repealed
  
• Thinking of the people on the ground must be considered rather than relying on facts and figures
  
• Human rights to be ensured and violator shall be punished
  
• Initiatives shall be taken by India and Pakistan for independent investigations of violation of human rights while justice should be given on the ground
  
• NGOs shall be given permission to interact with people
  
• People shall be given more freedom to interact with NGOs to report the human rights violations
  
• EU Parliament shall play its role for ensuring for the implementation of measures for the redressal  of violations
  
• International alliance shall be created for the cause of Kashmir
  
• Human rights shall be dealt on humanitarian grounds
  
• Steps shall be taken to ensure respect for human rights so that justice is provided by the authorities on ground
  
• Civil society to be given more space for reporting of violation of human rights
  
• Civil society members, lawyers and activists on the ground shall report the facts and figures of human rights violations
  
• Unconditional amnesty shall be provided to militants and widowed
  
• Military and paramilitary forces shall be vacated
  
• Curbs on movement shall be removed
  
• Transparency of human rights shall be promoted 
  
• Women shall be helped to come back into the fold of society as they are victimized through rape, violence and social isolation   
  
• Problems of unaccounted disappearances and custodial killings shall be addressed 
  
• International community shall force India to conform the universal discourse on Kashmir
  
• Human rights shall be improved in order to bring children out of traumatisation following the witnessing of violence and physical abuse of their mother and children 
  
• Landmines shall be washed away as children are the major sufferer
  
  

GROUP II
Step-by-Step Approach to Self-Determination; Identification of the Area; Demilitarization;
Self- Governance and Joint Management

Chaired by: Ambassador John W. McDonald
Chairman and co-founder of the Institute for Multi-track Diplomacy (IMTD) USA

Participants:

• Shah Ghulam Qadir,
  KIIR
  
  
• Inam ul Haque,
  Chairman, ISSI
  
  
• Claude Misson,
  DG, EGMONT, Royal Institute for International Relations (Brussel)
  
  
• Alexander Gupman,
  Freedom House, Washington DC
  
  
• Muhammad Yasin Malik,
  Chairman JKLF, Srinagar
  
  
• Prem Shankar Jha,
  Columnist/Writer New Delhi
  
  
• M. J. Akbar,
  Journalist (India)
  
  
• Dr. Eileen Borris,
  Director of Training, Institute for Multi Track Diplomacy, Washington DC
  
  
• A. G. Noorani,
  Columnist (India)
  
  
• Gautam Naulakha,
  Editorial Consultant Economic & Political Weekly (India)
  
  
• Attiya Inayatullah,
  Member of Parliament
  
  
• Brig (R) Muhammad Yusuf,
  
  
• Najamuddin A. Shaikh,
  Former Foriegn Secretary
  
  
• Ijaz Hussain,
  Quide Azam University
  
  
• Malik Muhammad Maskeen,
  Speaker NALC
  
  
• Syed Yousuf Naseem,
  Convener, APHC, AJK Chapter
  
  
• Syed Abbas Razvi, APHC
  
  
• Raja Muhammad Farooq Khan,
  Member Legislative Assembly AJK
  
  
• Dr. Najeeb Naqi Khan,
  Minister Health AJK
  
  
• Brig (R) Riaz Ahmed,
  Kashmir Centre
  
  
• Tanveer Rafiq,
  Lawyer
  
  
• Dr. M Amin,
  J&K Democratic Freedom Party (Srinagar)
  
  
• Dr. K. D. Farooqi,
  J&K DFLP, Srinagar
  
  
• Sardar Nasim Sarfraz Khan,
  AJKC
  
  
• Nasim Zehra,
  Journalist
  
  
• Tayab Siddique,
  Ambassador (R)
  
  
• S. M. Abdul Qureshi,
  Muslim Conference

Recommendations

• The area of the Jammu and Kashmir State should be defined as it was on August 14, 1947
  
• The identification of the area of Jammu and Kashmir State is important and should be based on the prevailing ground realities as the realities have changed since 1947 and regionalism has set in. Therefore, a solution based on the regions of the Kashmir Valley, Jammu (excluding Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts), Ladakh (Leh and Kargil), Azad Kashmir and Northern areas may have to be considered. This change has to be kept in mind while identifying the area of the State and in finding a resolution for the dispute
  
• While other regions of Jammu and Kashmir may want to stay together, Gilgit and the Northern Areas desire a direct relationship with Pakistan shall be respected
  
• The Security Forces should vacate all civilian areas and they should be confined to areas along the Line of Control
  
• The withdrawal of military as well as paramilitary forces like BSF and CRPF from the whole of Kashmir, not merely from heavily populated areas
  
• Repeal of draconian laws, including the Special Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act, which empowers the security forces to kill Kashmiri people with impunity
  
• Kashmir. Draconian Laws give immense power to the Indian Security Forces and should be repealed. Hence demilitarisation should not only include the reduction in numbers of the Indian Security Forces. The Army should also be made accountable
  
• India should respond positively to the demilitarisation proposal for creating confidence among the Kashmiri people
  
• After demilitarization a mechanism for maintaining law and order in the State could be chalked out
  
• Demilitarisation can take place more quickly and effectively if the Indian government involves the militant leadership of the Kashmiri people in negotiations as it has done in Nagaland as it is presently engaged in a dialogue with the Naga militants in a third country such a process could be adopted in the case of Kashmir as well
  
• For Self-Governance, subjects must be identified where Kashmiris would have been ensured sovereignty of parental States
  
• The concept of Self-Governance is being redefined that based on consensus of all the parties
  
• India must recognized Kashmir as disputed territory and must include in the constitution
  
• The Northern Ireland model may be considered for joint management
  
• The mechanism has to be worked out for Joint management keeping in view of joint management in areas such as, tourism and water issues
  
• A consultative mechanism to be evolved between India and Pakistan to remove the divergences over the concept of joint management

GROUP III

Learning from Models of Conflict Resolution and Peace Process
Chaired by: Mr. Brian Cox, ICRD Washington DC

Participants:

• Sardar Amjad Yousuf,
  Executive Director, KIIR Carola Weil,
  USIP, Washington DC
  
  
• Gottfried Strasser,
  Austria
  
  
• Paul Romen Mp,
  UK Members of Parliment
  
  
• Prof. Emilio Asti,
  Professor of Oriental Culture, Italy
  
  
• Ved Bhasin,
  Kashmir Times, Jammu
  
  
• Lt Gen (R) Asad Durrani
  Former DG ISI
  
  
• Dr. Shirren M. Mazari,
  DG, ISSI
  
  
• Cllr Dr. Zulfiqar Ali,
  Counselor President Advisory Committee Justice Foundation, London, UK
  
  
• Cllr Sajid Jawaid,
  Counselor London Borough of Greenwich, UK
  
  
• Cllr Donald Austen,
  Counselor London Borough of Greenwich, UK
  
  
• Imran Maqsood,
  Computer Instructor, Rawalakot
  
  
• Imtiaz Ahmed,
  Prof. of Chemistry, Rawalakot Poonch
  
  
• Ali Asghar,
  UK
  
  
• Abdul Razak, UK
  
  
• Ishtiaq Hameed,
  Member APHC
  
  
• Dr. Shaikh Waleed Rasool,
  Columnist, Research Fellow, Director KIIR
  
  
• Haji Muhammad Iqbal,
  MNALC, (NA Khaplo)
  
  
• Muhammad Ibrahim Sanai,
  Advisor PWD NAs
  
  
• Altaf Hussain Nabi,
  Member, APHC
  
  
• Tahir Aziz,
  Conseliation Resources, London, UK
  
  
• Nazir A. Shawl,
  Kashmir Centre, London, UK
  
  
• Prof. M. Ashraf Saraf,
  APHC
  
  
• Ghulam Raza Shah,
  Member AJK Council
  
  
• Shaheen Akhtar,
  Research Fellow, IRS
  
  
• M. Rafiq Khan
  
  
• M. Iftikhar
  
  
• Mustafa Ali Asghar
  
  
• Syed Gulzar Hussain
  
  
• Ajaz Bukhari
  

Recommendations

• The people of Kashmir including military group must be included in the central discussion, which will determine their future. Their fundamental right to participate in any negotiation must be recognized
  
• In order to establish the appropriate environment in which human rights can be improved there should be a cessation of all forms of violence, beginning with the return to the barracks of the Indian army and paramilitary forces from populated areas
  
• The geographic, ethnic, religious and political diversity of Kashmir must be taken into consideration
  
• An inter and intra dialogue needs to be promoted between regions, religions, political and ethnic groups
  
• It is essential to develop national consensus among Kashmiri people
  
• The internal and external displacement of people since 1947 must be addressed.
  
• It is essential to build an atmosphere of trust though confidence building measures. There must be "Kashmir specific" confidence building measures
  
• It is essential that the members of civil society from both sides of the Line of Control have unhindered opportunities to interact with each other
  
• There needs to be a process of healing and reconciliation among the Kashmiri people as a prelude to a final settlement of the Kashmir dispute. This process of reconciliation may give birth to possibilities for settlement that do not currently exist
  
• The efforts of track I, track II and civil society need to be more closely coordinated with each other so as to strengthen each of them
  
• As part of the healing process UN rapporteurs on human rights and international NGO's must be allowed unhindered access to all parts of Kashmir so as to establish the truth about human rights abuses by all parties
  
• The Kashmir conflict is not only a local issue, but also an international issue with diverse dimensions. It involves two nuclear powers with the danger of Kashmir becoming a nuclear flashpoint
  
• The conflict resolution process must tangibly address the basic needs of the Kashmiri people for identity, dignity, recognition, security and development otherwise it will not be sustainable or lasting
  
• India and Pakistan should invite a credible figure or institution from the international community acceptable to the Kashmiris      to serve as a facilitator so as to bring hope to Kashmiris and to symbolize the concern of the international community for resolution of the Kashmir issue
  
• As in Northern Ireland there is a need for sustained and structured dialogue that involves militants in the process
  
• The process is as important as the outcome. The Kashmiri people must take initiative themselves, so as to influence the outcome of the process
  
• There needs to the equitable inclusion of women at all levels of one peace process.
  
• The UN principles still remain as the only legal basis for resolution of the Kashmir conflict. Any conflict resolution process should respect the principle of Kashmiri self-determination
  
  The Northern Ireland Model offers the following aspects that should be considered in the process:
  
  
• Recognition of the legitimacy of whatever choice is freely exercised by the people.
  
• Commitment to a process of eventual disarmament of all paramilitary organization
  
• Provides a context of the right of self-determination as opposed to territorial control
  
• There must be sustained and structured dialogue, hence, a multi-track dialogue process in addition to the ongoing India/Pakistan dialogue is needed at three main levels: intra-Kashmiri dialogue with participants from both sides of the LoC and involving militant groups; Pakistani/Kashmiri dialogue; India /Kashmiri dialogue
  
• The militants need to be involved in the process as soon as possible
  
• There should be trilateral dialogue as opposed to bilateral dialogue
  
• The role of the Diaspora is critical
  
• Civil society groups should take the lead to foster peace movements
  
• The role of an outside/internal facilitator is critical and essential to the process
  
  The Faith-Based Reconciliation Model offers the following aspects that should be considered in the process: 
  
  
• The need to restore the historic moral vision in Kashmir based on reconciliation as a foundation for a future Kashmir and as a basis for restoring Kashmiryat and harmonious relationships throughout the region
  
• The need to build bridges among the different identity-based groups in the region so as to create understanding, and overcome stereotypes
  
• The need to demolish walls of hostility that currently exist between members of identity-based groups and toward India or Pakistan
  
• The need to address issues of human rights and the sharing of power and privilege as a basis for establishing the common good and a just basis for Kashmiri society and its relationship with India and Pakistan
  
• The need to heal the torn fabric of society by fostering both individual and political forgiveness
  
• To address the wounds of Kashmiri history in such a manner that leads to acknowledgement of wrong doing by offenders and extending forgiveness by victims
  
• To draw from the peacemaking tenets of the groups' religious traditions as a motivation for peacemaking
  
• To encourage leaders to consider spiritual and moral values in governance and policy making
  
• Encouraging the development of a problem solving approach by reframing the conflict as a joint problem to be solved by all parties
  
  The Conflict Transformation Model offers the following aspects that should be considered in the process:
  
  
• A commitment by all parties to a peaceful resolution of the conflict
  
• Utilizing an elicitive, rights-based approach that draws from the Kashmiris their solutions to the Kashmir dispute
  
• Establishing on the senior, middle and grassroots levels the mechanisms for addressing ongoing conflict in a peaceful manner
  
  The conflict resolution process should take into account some key points to move the process forward at this time:
  
  
• Engaging the militants in the process
  
• Return of displaced persons
  
• Creating a porous cease fire line (LoC)
  
• Creating a unified Kashmiri voice
  
• Creating a just negotiation process
  
• Healing the torn fabric of society
  
• Mobilizing the Kashmiri Diaspora to create economic opportunity in the region

Settlement Frameworks
With regard to settlement frameworks we considered both interim and permanent models.
We recommend an interim solution to the Kashmir dispute at this time to be known as the Reconciliation Model. It is based on the following points:

• As a first step all parties to the Kashmir conflict should recognize Kashmir as disputed territory
  
• The paradigm for resolution between India and Pakistan should refocus from conflict resolution to reconciliation as a first step
  
• Kashmiris need to be given political space that enables a process of healing and reconciliation to take place
  
• Kashmiris should focus on being able to propose their own solution
• A time frame of 4-5 years should be fixed for final settlement
  
• Track I and Track II efforts should work in close cooperation

Confidence Building Measures
With regard to confidence building measures we recommend the following, to be implemented at the earliest possible time:

• Demilitarization of the region
  
• Pulling back Indian forces to their barracks so as to restore normalcy
  
• Ending all cross border LoC activity of militants
  
• Ending violence and human rights violations by all parties
  
• Free movement of peoples across the LoC
  
• Prepare a roll of Kashmiris by the UN
• Allow return of displaced persons (since 1947)
  
• Repeal of black laws and release of all political prisoners Jammu & Kashmir
  
• Demining and removal of fencing on both sides of the CFL/LoC
  
• Encourage cross LoC economic activity
  
• Encouraging an internal cease-fire between Indian Security Forces and militants
  
• Cultural and educational exchanges across the LoC
  
• Encourage joint problem solving of health, educational, economic, cultural, tourism, environmental issues
  
• Economic experts from the international community to visit both sides to access the economic potential. Both sides begin cooperating on disaster management
  
• Encourage cross LoC media cooperation and freedom of the press

Concluding Session
Mian Muhammad Soomro, Chairman Senate Pakistan in his concluding address commended the efforts made by the three groups. He said that these efforts could have far effects and implications regarding the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Pointing to one of the recommendations made by Group B

He said that a timeframe for the peace process was necessary. He emphasized that the dialogue process between Pakistan, India and the Kashmiries must continue.

He said that the progress made so far was representative of the desire that a quick solution must be found to the dispute. He said that the recommendations were significant they touched overall aspects of the dispute and suggested that the concerned parties needed to work actively and follow the recommendations made at the conference. He emphasized that the government of Pakistan is committed to finding a just and durable solution to the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Maj (R) Tahir Iqbal, Minister Incharge, AJK Council, Inam-ul-Haque, Chairman (ISSI) and Shah Ghulam Qadir, Chairman (KIIR) thanked the distinguished guests, group members and management of ISSI and KIIR.

Round Table Conference

Venue: KIIR
Dated:  March 13, 2005

Summary
KIIR organized a Roundtable Conference on 'Initiative after Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Bus Service' Shah Ghulam Qadir in the chair, following the governments of India and Pakistan announcement to start a bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad from April 7, 2005 aimed to discuss new opportunities for the divided people of Kashmir. However, they appreciated the initiation of the bus service as the part of UN resolution, to ensure the Kashmiries free travel across the LOC.

Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service will strengthen the confidence among the three stakeholders, New Delhi, Islamabad and Kashmiries. It would be historic opportunity for the divided families to interact with each other in order to mitigate the miseries. It can create conducive atmosphere with the provision of opportunities for the people of both sides, to reach collective consensus, for resolution of  the Kashmir issue and sustainable economic development in the region.

Participants

• Maj Gen (R) Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan
  President Azad Jammu & Kashmir
  
  
• Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan
  Prime Minister AJ&K
  
  
• Sardar M. Abdul Qayyum Khan
  Former Prime Minister of AJK
  
  
• Shah Ghulam Qadir
  Chairman KIIR.
  
  
• Mr. Abdur Rasheed Turabi
  Former President
  Jamaat-e-Islami, (Justice Retd)
  
  
• Mr. Majeed Malik
  President Liberation League
  
  
• Mr. Aman Ullah Khan
  Chairman, JKLF
  
  
• Mr. Farooq Rehmani
  Convener APHC AJK chapter
  
  
• Mr. Yousuf Naseem
  APHC AJK Chapter
  
  
• Mr. Abdullah Malik,
  APHC AJK Chapter
  
  
• Mr. Altaf Qadri
  JKLF AJK Chapter
  
  
• Ch. Ibrahim Zai,
  Mr. Ershad Mahmud
  Researcher on Kashmir conflict)
  
  
• Mr.  Faiz Naqshbandi
  (APHC AJK chapter)
  
  
• Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Safi
  APHC AJK chapter)
  
  
• Mr.  Khawaja Farooq
  PPP AJK
  
  
• Mr  Manzoor Qadir,
  
  
• Mr.  Matloob Inqalabi, PPP AJK
  
  
• Mr  Pervez Ahmed
  APHC AJK Chapter
  
  
• Prof.  Ashraf Sarraf
  APHC AJK Chapter
  
  
• Mr. Raja Farooq Haider
  Advisor PM AJK
  
  
• Mr. Saleem Hashmi
  Spokesman, Hizbul Mujahideen
  
  
• Mr. Tahir Masood
  APHC AJK chapter
  
  
• Mr. Zulfiqar Abbasi
  President AJK Chamber of Commerce
  
  
• Malik Muhammad Nawaz
  Minister AJK
  
  
• Dewan Ali Khan Chughtai
  Minister AJK
  
  
• Syed Shaukat Ali Shah
  MLA
  
  
• Sardar Amjad Yousaf
  Executive Director, KIIR

Apprehensions

• Bus service could be a first step to recognize the Line of Control (LoC)
  
• Indian Government might use the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service to defuse the
  international pressure for resolving the Kashmir Issue.

Suggestions

• The traffic should be confined for Kashmiri people
  
• World community shall help to improve human rights in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK)
  
• Draconian laws shall be repealed
  
• Early release of all political prisoners
  
• Repatriate all displaced persons and victims of war
  
• Create suitable atmosphere that could enable all exiles and refugees to return their motherland
  
• Restoration of freedom, like freedom of speech, freedom of Movement and freedom of political activities 
  
• Dismantling of fencing along the LoC
  
• World community to provide facilities for Intra-Kashmir Dialogue for a just solution of Kashmir