The genesis of the present peace process in Jammu & Kashmir can be traced to the historic Musharaf-Vajpayee meeting in Islamabad on 6 January 2004. The Islamabad declaration became a reference point to all statements made thereafter. The people in both countries were enthusiastic about the peace process as it opens a window for a better future.

The opening of the Srinager-Muzaffarabad bus service initiated a new chapter in the history of Indo-Pak relations. It was considered a big leap towards normalisation of relations as Indian foreign minister Natwar Singh declared it the "mother of all CBMs." Apart from connecting people, the bus service also reconnected broken hearts and families. The move to allow the Hurriat delegation led by Moulvi Umar Farooq to visit Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on 2 June 2005 on the invitation of Pakistan President Musharaf drew appreciation. However, Syed Geelani declined the invitation because of an unclear agenda. This visit generated interest among common Kashmiris and a breakthrough was expected from this visit. It was widely expected to add new dimensions to Indo-Pak relations. Unfortunately, it ended with a controversy generated by an unwarranted statement of M. Yasin Malik.

The joint statement in which both countries resolved to settle the Siachen and Sir Creek issues amicably further boosted the thaw in their ties. The guns on the border are silent for almost a year and a half now. Musharaff seems to have accepted that redrawing of boundaries is not an acceptable solution to India. Similarly, Manmohan Singh have realised that Pakistan cannot accept the LoC as the international border. They have now agreed to make borders 'irrelevant' and to make the peace process 'irreversible'. The two countries have reaffirmed that terrorism and extremism would not be allowed to scuttle the peace process. In the recent meeting between Dr Singh and the Hurriat group, a number of issues were raised by the delegation. The government seems to have responded positively by accepting to review cases under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The government recently announced the release of 44 detenues held under the PSA. It must not stop with the 44 detenues; rather there should be a follow up processes and systematic screening of the cases under the PSA. It should not be a goodwill gesture or a concessional step, but part of a systematic process.

However, the road to peace is quite tricky; there is no agreement on troop withdrawal from Siachen. In addition, Sir Creek, Baglihar, Kishangaga, etc. remain unresolved. In such a scenario, how will a complex issue like Kashmir be resolved? A mess has been made out of statements and addresses in the recently concluded session of UN General Assembly. However, lost ground was regained by the recent visit of Natwar Singh to Pakistan. During his visit, both countries agreed to hold meetings by the end of the year to finalize arrangements for meeting points for divided families and to begin a truck service between the two main cities of divided Kashmir, and to continue efforts to reach an understanding on Siachen by the end of year.

People of J&K - particularly Kashmir - require measures that would reduce their day-to-day sufferings. They need Kashmir-specific CBMs. There is a dire need for reduction of troops from civilian areas and an end to human rights violations. There is strong urge among the people towards a ceasefire in the Valley. This move will reduce the alienation of the people to a large extent. The Srinager-Muzafarabad bus should be open to all Kashmiris irrespective of whether they have relatives on the other side. The benefits of the bus service must percolate down to ordinary people.

The exchanges between the two countries are welcome, but the Kashmiris who are suffering need CBMs that will lessen their hardships. The people in the valley did not feel any perceptible change on the ground after the launch of the Srinagar-Muzafarabad bus service. The irony of the moment is that on the one hand the government announces the release of 44 prisoners and on the same day rearrests Billal Siddiqi under PSA after serving ten years of detention in PoK. The government has also arrested Asiya Andrabi, who was campaigning against the social evils of PSA in Srinagar. This shows the government's lack of seriousness and may instil further distrust in the hearts of the people.

India needs to show more flexibility and must act in a sincere manner and treat the Kashmir issue on humanitarian grounds, not on diplomatic principles. In addition, the fragmented leadership of the Hurriat must come together onto a single platform to participate in the peace process. There is an urgent need for inter-community dialogue and reconciliation. Also, all the warring factions must muzzle their guns so as to ultimately heal the open wounds.