For ensuring lasting peace, stability and harmony in the region, one possible solution for the Kashmir discord can be that unified Kashmir may be given autonomy under the joint suzerainty of India and Pakistan provided the minority communities vote in its favour. Kashmir, not allowed its own military, will be provided security cover jointly by India and Pakistan. Such joint ownership will generate a sense of brotherhood between the two nations. Jammu and Ladakh, presently linked with Kashmir, can remain with India or their people given an option through referendum to join Kashmir. ...

There can be shortcomings in every solution. The people of South Asia ... especially those from Kashmir should organise public consultations inviting alternative solutions so that a solution acceptable to the concerned people and nations may emerge. Such a dialogue will generate all round goodwill leading to solutions for lasting peace and prosperity in the region .

Government Statement on Army Jawans Killed in Anti-Insurgency Operations in J&K

Year                Officers          JCOs              OR                  Total

1995                    19                  25                  209                  253

1996                    20                  17                  223                  260

1997                     23                 20                  228                  271

Total                   62                  62                  660                  784

(Source: LSUQ No. 1451 dated 4 June, 1998 by P.J. Kurien)