Since India has not been able to resolve this issue directly with Pakistan for so long despite resort to war, why is she not agreeable to accepting UN mediation or that of a third party?
The issue concerning Pakistan is peripheral to the main issue at present under contention, which is the military confrontation which till recently existed in the State. The political issues plaguing the State can be resolved only by mutual discussion between the peoples’ representatives and the Government of India. Hence the Government’s determination to return power to the people through the electoral process. This has been the process which has ensured internal peace to the people of Kashmir from 1949 to 1989, despite wars with Pakistan and the fact that Pakistan’s basic position regarding the State has remained unchanged which is the continued occupation of a part of the State without reduction of troops. The situation has been sought to be further worsened by promotion of terrorism within the State by Pakistan, thus repeatedly delaying efforts to carry through the electoral process and restoring democracy. Such a restoration was seen as a key element in resolving issues within the
