Justice, development pivotal in way forward for Kashmir: SC Lawyer Ashok Bhan

Srinagar, Feb 19: Speaking at the executive meeting of Kashmir (policy & Strategy) Group,Chairman, Ashok Bhan said to resolve the Kashmir imbroglio, there is no magic formula, no single stroke solution that can untangle a conflict layered with history, identity, geopolitics, trauma, and mistrust.

“Since 1947, Kashmir has been shaped by the events surrounding the accession to India under Maharaja Hari Singh, the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah, the India–Pakistan wars, militancy, cross-border terrorism, and the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990. Any meaningful way forward must therefore be layered, inclusive, and realistic—anchored in democracy, justice, development, and reconciliation,” Bhan said.

Bhan said the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in August 2019 fundamentally altered the constitutional relationship between Jammu & Kashmir and the Union of India. “While the Government of India argued that this move would ensure integration, equality, and development, many people experienced it as a unilateral rupture. So the best step is to restore political confidence through: Full and timely restoration of statehood after the  free, fair, and transparent Assembly elections were held to strengthening local governance institutions now the Panchayats, Municipal bodies elections should commence.” Bhan further said. “After the institutions are in place,a formal political dialogue between New Delhi and elected representatives to end the trust deficit as said by PM : “Dil ki doori aur delhi se doori mitani hai” Bhan said. A politically empowered populace is less susceptible to alienation and extremism, he added.  Bhan said reconciliation and truth-telling is the task of people’s government

“The Kashmir situation is not only territorial; it is deeply emotional. Decades of violence have left wounds across communities—Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and others. The exile of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 remains one of the most painful chapters. Their displacement created a moral rupture in the Valley’s social fabric. Simultaneously, many Muslim families have suffered due to militancy and counter-insurgency operations,” he added.

Long term demand by civil society to set up a structured Truth and Reconciliation Commission—similar in spirit to post-apartheid processes—could be one such step by UT government would be a start of a noble plan for closure and make forward movement, Bhan emphasised.

No solution can be considered complete without addressing the plight of exiled Kashmiri Pandits. Their return must be backed by security guarantees., supported by economic rehabilitation packages and integrated within local society, not through segregation, he added.

The idea of composite culture—Kashmiriyat—cannot be revived if a significant community remains absent. Their presence is not merely demographic; it is civilizational, Bhan said. “Radicalization, fueled by propaganda, online networks, and external interference, remains a major obstacle. The next best approach is not only security-based but societal: Educational reforms emphasizing pluralism and constitutional values; Youth engagement through sports, entrepreneurship, and skill development; Media literacy programs to counter misinformation; Encouraging the moderate religious voices,”he added.