Peacebuilding in Jammu and Kashmir Initiatives and Efforts

Peacebuilding in Jammu and Kashmir is a multifaceted process involving confidence-building measures at the nation-state level between the governments of India and Pakistan, track two diplomacy, and initiatives led by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), institutes, and individuals. The primary goal of these efforts is conflict prevention and the reduction of hostilities in the Kashmir Valley.

Background of the Conflict

The region has seen significant loss of life due to insurgency. Between 1990 and 2017, government figures indicate that approximately 41,000 lives were lost, including 14,000 civilians, 5,000 security personnel, and 22,000 militants. Furthermore, India and Pakistan have engaged in three major wars over the region during 1947–1948, 1965, and the Kargil War in 1999.

Key Peacebuilding Initiatives

Indian Government Initiatives

India has employed various tactics to manage tensions, including the appointment of interlocutors. This practice dates back to the 1960s, when Prime Minister Nehru appointed Lal Bahadur Shastri to manage tensions. More recently, in 2001, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government appointed KC Pant as an interlocutor to recommend ways to ease tensions between the Centre and the state.

Pakistani Initiatives

Pakistan has focused on highlighting human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir to draw global attention to the plight of the Kashmiri people. They have expressed a willingness to engage in bilateral talks with India to resolve the conflict, though these efforts are often hindered by political and security tensions.

Central and State Government Efforts

• The 'Healing Touch' Policy: Introduced by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) government between 2002 and 2005, and later revived by Mehbooba Mufti (2016–2018), this policy aimed for a more humane approach by security forces, including freeing jailed militants and withdrawing FIRs against thousands of youth.
• Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy: In 2010, the Omar Abdullah government introduced a policy allowing former militants who had crossed the Line-of-Control into Pakistan to return to India.
• Autonomous Hill Councils: To address discontent among communities like Ladakhi Buddhists, the formation of Autonomous Hill Councils in Leh and Kargil districts has been a successful peacebuilding measure.
• Operation Sadbhavana: An Indian Army initiative focusing on welfare measures such as infrastructure development, medical care, women and youth empowerment, and educational tours.

Indo-Pakistani Bilateral Initiatives

• Karavan-e-Aman: A bus service connecting Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, and later Poonch and Rawalakot, started in 2005 and 2006 respectively. These routes also facilitated regulated trade, opening traditional trading centres for the first time since 1947.
• Neemrana Dialogue: Launched in 1991 as a track 2 initiative, the Neemrana dialogue provides a platform for non-official talks between India and Pakistan, focusing on issues like the Kashmir conflict and the Siachen conflict.

Other Peacebuilding Efforts

International actors such as China and the United States and Russia have played de-escalatory roles in the region. Additionally, initiatives like Athwass (Kashmiri for handshake), led by the Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP) initiative of the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of the Dalai Lama, have brought together women from Kashmiri Pandit, Muslim, and Sikh communities to foster peace through dialogue and literature.