The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), New Delhi, conducted a survey on "Popular Perception of Kashmiri conflict” in Srinagar during 15 April to May 2003. The survey was based on informal conversations with 92 people from diverse backgrounds including political leaders, journalists, students, academicians, businessmen, and houseboat owners in and around Srinagar. The findings of this survey are as follows:
The respondents were unanimous in denouncing the conversion of LOC into international border as being a viable solution to the dispute. 92 percent believe that ‘independent Kashmir’ would be a viable and lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute; however, 8 percent believe that accession to Pakistan would be a viable solution.
People do not expect anything substantial to come out of this in terms of their day-to-day lives in view of the recent experience regarding Indo-Pak peace diplomacy. 85 percent are pessimistic about this development.
Noor Ahmad Baba, Head of the Political Science Department at the Kashmir University, believes that restoration of air links, resumption of sports and other ties may not be sufficient to contribute to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. "These countries have been doing this in the past also. Resolution of the issue demands much more than this. Both countries have to bring flexibility in their stances vis-à-vis Kashmir. People should not expect much out of this development," says Baba. According to Joshi, an engineering student, "Indo -Pak peace diplomacy is a good gesture. Both countries must cash the opportunity and take steps to resolve the Kashmir issue.”
Only 15 percent feel that it would help if the two countries come closer, and look for a solution to the Kashmir issue.
80 percent feel that the US has a role to play in the final resolution of the Kashmir issue. But a majority also feels that the US has lost interest in doing so; 13 percent see no role for the US and the UN in resolution of this issue, while 7 percent offered no comments.
81 percent criticized the current Government and termed it a failure on almost all counts. 18 percent expressed that it was better than the previous NC Government and has been able to bring about some changes on the ground. For example, Mohd Ashraf, a KAS officer, felt that "there has been some decrease in violence since the Mufti Government took over. It might prove a good government with the passage of time. People should not expect miracles overnight in a strife-torn Valley".
While Mufti’s healing touch policy has been appreciated outside J&K, inside the state, there appears to be less support for it. 87 percent denounced Mufti’s healing touch claims, while 13 percent supported the policy.
57 percent in Srinagar believe that the APHC are the real representatives of the Kashmiris and feel that the organization has a major role in the resolution of the conflict. They believe that the APHC has publicized the issue at the international level.
43 percent question the role of the APHC and do not have faith on it. This section does not see much of a role for the APHC in the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
92 percent in Srinagar feel that the presence of foreign militants in the Valley may complicate the resolution of the Kashmir issue. However 8 percent perceive that there is a role for them.
The minorities are desperate to see the Kashmir issue resolved in the near future as it would guarantee their security and peaceful life in the Valley. Pandits question the new Government’s healing touch policy. The recent Indo-Pak peace diplomacy could help the two countries to improve the ties and come to the negotiating table. They offered no comments on whether an independent Kashmir would be a viable solution to the dispute. The minorities believe that the APHC represents the sentiments of people in the Valley.
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