Kashmir: A Possible Solution?

It is currently unclear whether Kashmir is legally part of India or Pakistan, however, there are parallels between East Timor and Kashmir that provide a precedent for creating a new State for people of uncertain status. 

It was in 1948 that the UN Security Council instructed that a plebiscite be held for the Kashmiri people to decide their fate. They are currently being denied that option and are suffering enormous human rights violations – just as the Timorese people were.

At this critical point, the Kashmiri people should be given protection by the international community to hold their plebiscite – just as the Timorese people were. A decision that resulted in a peaceful and successful new State.