Abstract:
The issue of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly unrecognised status of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, is a bone of contention between Pakistan and India and a source of instability in the region. Ironically, in spite of several United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) in which it is clearly mentioned that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be given the right to self determination, India has been denying the fundamental right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. For the past six decades, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been demanding their basic right to self-determination promised in various UNSCRs, but they are being denied this right. Pakistan has always supported the people of Jammu and Kashmir in these efforts through engaging India in a dialogue process. Despite these efforts, India not only failed to recognise the fundamental rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also negated its commitments to resolve the Kashmir dispute. While investigating the reasons of failures, this study attempts to elaborate through documented facts that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are inherent stakeholders of Kashmir dispute and have every right to decide about their future. It is essential to recognise the status of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with respect to UNSCRs and acknowledge their importance in the bilateral dialogue. Indian rejection to implement the UNSCRs is not only prolonging the immense suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir by depriving them of sovereignty, liberty and a prosperous and peaceful life, but also affecting the economy and betterment of the state.
