(W)here Lies the Solution? - Pointers from the Recent Surveys
22 Oct, 2002 · 889
N Manoharan attempts to gauge the mood of the people on the Kashmir issue, on the basis of two recent surveys
What is the appropriate solution to the Kashmir issue? Is it through militancy or through negotiations? Is it through independence, or enjoying greater autonomy within India, or joining Pakistan? Would trifurcation solve the communal problem? What about the Kashmiri pundits? Would the conversion of LoC into the IB stop cross-border terrorism? Are the two concerned adversaries, India and Pakistan, serious about solving the Kashmir issue?
Given below is the analytical chart of two recent surveys held in Jammu and Kashmir. The two surveys clearly reflect the mood of the people on various facets of the solution to the Kashmir issue. A careful reading of the results of these surveys could be a guide map for pursuit by the next government in J&K.
|
MORI survey ( 20-28 April 2002) |
Asian Age-ACNielsen Opinion Poll (12-16 September 2002) |
|
|
Means for solution Economic development Elections and dialogue Autonomy War |
. . 93 % 86 % 55 % wants autonomy to be given to both the Pakistani and the Indian sides of Kashmir. 76 % oppose. |
. . -- -- 17 % for greater autonomy. -- |
|
Status of J&K Independence With India With Pakistan |
. . -- 61% 6% |
. . 25% 49% 1% |
|
Attitude towards militancy |
86 % against militancy; 88 % want immediate cessation of cross-border terrorism. |
91% oppose the use of violence. |
|
Seriousness of New Delhi in finding a solution |
-- |
63 % believe the Central Government is serious. |
|
Trifurcation of the state |
92 % oppose. |
Rejected by 87 %. |
|
Conversion of LoC to IB |
91 % oppose conversion and want a forum for greater interaction; 70 % support greater interaction between the two Kashmirs. |
Minuscule percentage |
|
Pakistan’s genuineness in bringing about peace |
66 % feel it is not genuine |
79 % do not believe this |
|
Kashmiri pundits |
81 % feel their return is vital for retaining the unique cultural identity of Kashmir and in restoring normalcy. |
-- |
|
Role of Indian security forces Valley & Leh Jammu |
. . 90 % believe scaling down their presence would bring normalcy Overwhelming number prefer their presence |
. -- -- |
POPULAR COMMENTARIES
