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Updated: November 22, 2008 08:37 IST

NDTV GURUJI

A religious issue at the heart of mass protests when Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for the next round of elections has made for an environment shattered by communal violence.

We've debated the issue at length with people who matter across Kashmir's political spectrum. The most recent discussion brought together prominent personalities like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Prof Chaman Lal Gupta on a single platform as they debated the crisis in the Valley on the The Big Fight.

Then we took this debate outside our studios and into your space. We asked Vikram Chandra to answer all your questions on the vexed issue of Kashmir. Here are the answers.

Answered Questions | All Questions

Ejaz Rabudi, Srinagar: Why does India refuse to accept Kashmir as a disputed territory and involve the UN to resolve the issue? For how long is India going to continue the blame game with Pakistan/Kashmiris?

Vikram Chandra: Historically, the UN has never actually been able solve any of these major territorial issues -- and has made no progress on the Kashmir issue either since the problem first arose. So expecting them to ride in on a white charger is a bit unrealistic. We should look for solutions that relevant in the present day and age...

Muneer Dar, Dammam, Saudi Arabia: Dear Vikram,

In my last year visit to Kashmir, I could see new generation apathy towards all this azadi stuff. Youngsters especially who were born in the early 90s or after, were mostly hypnotized by Indian glamour on the screen, cricket , job opportunities etc.

But what I see on TV now, is that this very young generation has jumped into this agitation which I believe could keep the movement alive for another 50 years. I think whatever had been gained so far in these 20 years is lost in the worst way as has been debated on the TV.

On the ground, people know that India is resorting to the old age tactics of delaying strategy. I think this delaying tactics is not because of the well thought strategy by India but because of the inability to make any decision which is one of the big road block for concentrating on the development of the country where millions still live below the poverty line.

MY question to you is that, is the inability of making any such critical decisions by the Indian government as a result of its largest democratic setup . Who will decide ?. Will there ever be consensus. Will such issues be there till the end of human life on the planet. We see countries like Indonesia parting its part for larger peace in the region why cant India do it.

Vikram Chandra: I think we have lost an opportunity to arrive at a settlement that would be acceptable to everyone, though not a perfect solution. I think the government got lulled into a false sense of security by the relative peace we have seen in Kashmir through the 2000s into thinking all the problems had gone away. Actually -- that's precisely the time when you SHOULD reach a lasting conclusion, when you are strong and your opponents are scattered. It’s a pity that the opportunity wasn’t taken.

Raghavendra, Bangalore: Do Separatist leaders of Kashmir realize that since the time they first wanted to be separated from India, many things have happened such as, the failure of the idea called Pakistan? The people of Kashmir are as much idependent or more independent than any free people anywhere in the world, because they are part of a secular democracy with universal human values. What do they want to separate from India for? To become another Islamic state, where there is no place for secularism?

Vikram Chandra: I think there are many in the Valley who would agree with what you say -- many who worry that Kashmir has lost the "Kashmiriyat" and tolerant secularism that once set it aside. Many who mourn the loss of an integral part of their culture once the Pandits were driven out. And many --almost certainly a majority -- who would NOT be happy trading their present lives for an Islamic state.

D Das, Hyderabad: Isn't trifurcation of the state the best option to move forward? The hope and aspirations of Jammu and Ladakh are getting subsumed by the aspirations and requirement of Valley.

Vikram Chandra: All sorts of trifurcation or bifurcation formulae have been considered -- dating all the way back to the Dixon plan for bifurcation below the Chenab. The problem with this approach: if you split the state on religious lines -- a Muslim valley, a Hindu Jammu and a Buddhist Ladakh -- then are we not accepting the "Geelani" argument that the fate of the valley should be dictated by Islam? Also, what happens to those parts of Jammu that have a more balanced demography -- like Poonch, Rajouri or Kishtwar?

Siddhartha, Bangalore: Why does the media glorify the minority? We know it makes for good soundbytes and a nice TRP but then you folks need to look into both sides of the story? I never find you folks talking about the plight of thousands of Kashmiri pandits who were thrown out of the valley?? Why dont u report that ethnic cleansing?Are u afraid or does it not make for good Television Ratings?For once in your lives be fair and dont glorify the separatists

Vikram Chandra: I dont think that is entirely a fair comment. I have personally done a dozen shows or more on the plight of the pandits, as have many of my colleagues at NDTV. The agitation in Jammu is getting as much coverage as the agitation in the Valley.

Harjeet Kakkar, Delhi: Why is it so important for Indians to exercise force and create a drama over every issue. How would this impact the core issues ? Would it not undo years of good initiatives, if any. Also would it not alienate the Kashmiris further?

Vikram Chandra: Absolutely. Jammu and Kashmir is too sensitive and crucial for us to be engaging in a political drama of any sort..

irfan masoodi, riyadh saudi arabia: why does india want to hold on to jammu and kashmir by force?
does it have the guts to take out its million forces from there and let the people decide their fate?

Vikram Chandra: Actually India does NOT have a million troops inside Jammu and Kashmir -- and for a long time law and order has actually been in the hands of the police.

ng satish, Hyderabad: Why can we not ask some Huriat leaders to be in the Amarnath Shrine Board. So the they have a control on what is done with the land.

Vikram Chandra: Very interesting suggestion! You should put it to the government...

Roger, Kuwait: If Omar Abdullah who considers himself as and Indian, can buy a home in Delhi and Bangalore why cant any other Indian buy a home in Kashmir?
And how can Pakistani people come and live in Kashmir and continue their millitancy against Indian rule while the Kashimiris make a huge issue out of a land issue for a temple. What is Kashmiriyat? There can be Kashmiriyat but shouldn't it come after Hindustaniyat?

Vikram Chandra: I don't think Pakistanis are allowed to LEGALLY come into the valley and conduct militancy! They sneak across the border! As for the buying of land, we should recognize that there has always been a special status for Kashmir and that dates back to the accession. If you question the special status, then that could put a question mark on the accession.

Sidartha_Karna, Hyderabad: The separatists by demanding secession from the Indian Union, which the government shall not accept in any terms are closing off any discussions with the other side. So, what is the logic behind their demands and agitation?

Vikram Chandra: Till a few short months back, i think the separatists may have settled for a good face saving compromise formula. Now, perhaps they are setting their sights higher.

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