When will turmoil end in J&K?

O P Sharma, Manoj Kumar

Name of Book : India-Pakistan Peace Process and J&K
Author : Dr Sudhir S Bloeria
Publisher : Vij Books India Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi
Year : 2018
Pages : 430
Price : Rs 995
This 430-page book entitled “ India-Pakistan Peace Process and J&K” by Dr Sudhir S Bloeria is a well documented factual historical account of Indo-Pak complex relationship with many hurdles and also yearning for way forward. India and Pakistan, both immediate neighbours have over seven decades of trust -deficit which have seen frequent ups and downs. In fact, the two nations have had three armed conflicts and also faced on-going Proxy War. The way out of the mutual hostility is in the womb of the future. And Dr Bloeria has rightly captioned the last chapter with heading “The Crystal Gazing” with hope : a process of peace between India and Pakistan taken to its logical conclusion appears a most reasonable and fruitful course of action. The author has also opined that in the overall context Peace Process is the best option available.
Graphic Account
Ever since the birth of Pakistan on August 14, 1947, the relationships between two neighbour nations have remained strained. The pangs of the Partition left deep wounds and sadly led to enmity which became a source of exploitation by some vested interest nations. The deep wounds of 1947-48 conflicts further got worst with the stroking of fire of hatred unnecessarily focusing on Jammu and Kashmir State. The armed conflicts between India and Pakistan were futile but the induction of terrorism and fanaticism infused potent dangers to the people of Jammu and Kashmir who suffered untold miseries. The peace process between India and Pakistan must lead to fruitful results of peace, progress and prosperity.
Author’s Ringside View
The author has analyzed both external and internal dimensions of the problem and aptly discussed the future prospects of peace process in the last chapter entitled “The Crystal Gazing”. The terrorism cannot solve any issue but is certain to further complicate the matters and even harm its perpetrators and promoters of violence and terror. This historical lesson must be learnt by Pak rulers at long last now. They must realize the ground realities and also understand the fast-growing global opinion against terror.
In this book, Dr. Bloeria has expressed hope that expectations were high during the tenure of Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah as J&K Chief Minister but the events took a downward turn after his death in 1982. The situation deteriorated and militancy took its root across the State in a big way.
Tangible innovative and suitable multi-pronged strategy has to be made operational to remedy the situation and put a complete end to terror. The author notes that by the beginning of 1990, the State administration had almost collapsed but the struggle against the scourge of terrorism is on despite huge loss of life and property, private and public. The administration now is determined to restore normalcy and launch a phase of development. e-Governance and further democratic set up with heavy dose of welfare measures, is need of the hour.
Historical Perspective
The book India-Pakistan Peace Process and J&K has vividly presented a panoramic overview of the events and the peace process in different phases over the past seven decades between India and Pakistan from 1947 onwards in special context of Jammu and Kashmir State. Sudhir S Bloeria, who remained at the helm of affairs and actively in many of these processes very closely, has covered them with most authentic and historical perspective.
The comprehensive historical perspective of the Indo-Pak relations and also focus on J&K State have been aptly detailed in 12 chapters beginning with : Background of the Conflict; Early Efforts ; The Breakdown ; The Militancy :
The Transition ; Enter Vajpayee ; Vajpayee Reasserts ; Efforts Continue ; Impact of Relations with Important Countries. The remaining three chapters : The Peace Process- Internal Dimensions ; The Peace Process- External Dimensions and also The Crystal Gazing are very important contents of this factual historical book written with accuracy and objectivity. The Foreword has been written by C D Sahay, Former Union Secretary (R) describing the book has a masterpiece on all aspects of India-Pakistan relations.
This note is very informative from an insider of high –level policy makers in the Government of India and intimately interested in the affairs of this sensitive Jammu and Kashmir State along with Indo-Pak relations. Another feature is the detailed “Introduction” by Dr Sudhir S. Bloeria showing gist of his scholarly research work giving insight peep into the complex issues.
This well produced and finely printed book is a historical well-documented work by the author Dr Bloeria who had ring-side view of most events and happenings. It is a prize possession for all those interested in the affairs of sensitive Jammu and Kashmir State as well as Indo-Pak relations.
(Starline Syndicate Service)

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