USI organised a seminar “Kashmir Imbroglio: A Reality Check and Way Forward” on 24 September 2018 at USI. The overall objective of the seminar was to discuss the evolving socio-political & security scenario and building enduring peace and stability, so as to throw up new ideas. Welcome remarks were made by Lt Gen P K Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd), Director, USI. It was followed by Keynote address by Lt Gen D Anbu, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Vice Chief of the Army Staff. The sessions were moderated by Major General B K Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Deputy Director (Research) and Head of Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation at the USI.
The distinguished panellist comprised eminent professionals and scholars from the security forces, electronic media, civil society, Supreme Court and political parties. In the first session on the theme “Evolving Socio-Political & Security Scenario,” Iftikhar Gilani, Delhi Bureau Chief of DNA spoke on the topic “Kashmiri Alienation, Myths & Reality.” It was followed by a lecture on “Evolving Socio-Political Landscape in Kashmir” from AVM Kapil Kak, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Former Addl Dir CAPS. Brig Narender Kumar, SM, VSM (Retd), Distinguished Fellow USI gave a talk on “Assessment of Security Scenario in Kashmir” where he assessed the current security scenario in the region. The final speaker of the first session Dr. Aman Hingorani, Advocate-on-Record & Mediator, Supreme Court of India gave a talk on the topic “Efficacy of Constitutional Framework and Accords for Conflict Resolution,” highlighting India’s legal stand vis-à-vis Pakistan on the territorial rights over the Kashmir region.
In the second session on “Building Peace and Stability” the panellists made comprehensive assessment of various social, military and political factors that are essential for building peace and stability in the region. Lt Gen Subrata Saha, PVSM,UYSM,YSM,VSM & Bar (Retd), Former GOC 15 Corps spoke on “De Novo Approach for Creating Sustainable Security Environment in Kashmir,” which was followed by a presentation on “Measures for Enhancing Integration & Synergy between Centre, State & Civil Society” by Mr K. Rajendra Kumar, IPS (Retd) Former DGP J&K Police. In the subsequent talk Mr Waheed Ur Rehman, Former Secretary J&K State Sports Council gave a talk on “Engagement with Youth in Kashmir.” In his talk he underlined the growing role and importance of youth in Kashmir, and how a meaningful engagement can help build sustainable peace. The next speaker Dr Manmeet Bali Nag, academician and activist talked on the topic “Rekindling the Spirit of Kashmiriyat,” where she emphasised the philosophical aspects of Kashmiriyat and how it can be the crucible of peace in Kashmir. Mr Zafar Choudhary, senior journalist, policy analyst and consultant gave his view on the “Way Ahead for Conflict Resolution,” where he highlighted the complexities of a dialogue process in the current scenario. The final speaker Mr Ashok Bhan senior advocate SC urged for renewed genuine attempt by the central government as a way ahead for conflict resolution in Kashmir. The concluding remarks were made by Major General B K Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Deputy Director (Research) and Head of Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation at the USI.
