While this is neither a full accession to Pakistan or India nor the creation of a sovereign Kashmir, it would largely meet the Kashmiri demand for “azadi,” or independence. But what about a long-term solution? Once a common Kashmiri society and polity is restored and bonds are allowed to strengthen despite the LoC, new solutions may emerge. Kashmiris may decide that they want complete independence or alternatively, accession to India or Pakistan. If the peace process continues to gather steam, other problems are resolved, and fears and suspicions diminish, both Pakistan and India may consider new long-term solutions for Kashmir that are currently unacceptable.

The acceptance of such a short-term solution will be the true test of both countries and their commitment to the Kashmiri people. The international community can help through indirect mediation, because the Indian government insists on treating Kashmir as a purely bilateral matter. Both Pakistan and India must be told that there is no military solution to this problem, because it is not just a territorial dispute. While it pressures Pakistan to completely end its support for militancy and give full political rights to PaK and the Northern Areas, the international community should also mediate with India to restore Article 370 in its original or extended form and to ensure that both countries ratify all human rights agreements.

At the moment these ideas seem to be no more than a wish list. But the same was true for the Indian struggle for independence against Britain and again during the struggle for Pakistan. Civil society will have to lead the way by vigorously combating national chauvinism and by strengthening the forces of peace and justice. Above all, both Pakistanis and Indians must realize that no country that oppresses another can itself be free.