The Norwegian Parliament has urged for an early solution to the Kashmir conflict. Chairman of the Norwegian Parliamentary Kashmir Committee and Christian Democratic party leader Knut Arild Hareide referred to Kashmir as a regressive wound in the relationship between governments and a continuing tragedy for the Kashmiri people. It surely is a comfort to know that the dispute has the attention of European nations. It can be solved, that reality must be acknowledged. India, it is hoped, will note that the world has not forgotten Kashmir.
With every day and in fact hour, Kashmir is slipping out of India’s grip. Hatred begets more hatred which explains why all attempts to subdue the locals into accepting the occupation have been for naught. Now a new resistance is making its presence felt; the Norwegians now know that mass graves and killing is business for usual for the troops. The question is how can Norway really help the beleaguered people? Its MPs have said that efforts at all diplomatic levels would be pursued to see to it that the people get their birthright to decide their fate themselves. They have also appreciated PM in waiting Mian Nawaz Sharif for his sensible approach, which according to their thinking should now compel New Delhi to reconsider its options. The clout Norway wields inside the EU and also at other world forums, can best be utilised, if the country calls for the fulfilment of the UNSC resolutions that stipulates a free and fair plebiscite under the auspices of the UN. That solution proposed back in 1948 -- when Indian troops arbitrarily rushed the valley -- is the only way out of the quagmire that has been dragging down the two neighbours ever since.
Indian government has yet to react to the Norwegian parliament’s debate and conclusions but it is obvious with more and more countries calling for the prevailing injustice to come to an end, New Delhi does not have many options except to listen to the people and hold an impartial plebiscite.