I could not be expected to be totally objective in this matter but I shall try to be fair.
There are two aspects we need to discuss here:
- What is the solution to the Kashmir dispute?
- How does the present tension affect the churches in the two countries?
The Solution to the Kashmir Dispute
Plebiscite under UN auspices would appear to be the easiest solution. But India is not likely to agree despite her previous agreement. What is the probable outcome of a plebiscite? Not necessarily Kashmir being joined to Pakistan. Ever since 1947, Kashmir has showed a tendency for being an independent state. India certainly does not want a small independent neighbor state with a Himalayan Border with China. Neither does India want to concede the Principle of self-determination to various regions in India, especially in view of possible repercussions in Nagaland, Hyderabad, and other racial linguistic or religious-majority areas. This would be a blow to her commitment to a secular, pluralistic society.
What is the eventual solution? Not a condominium as some have suggested. Painful for me to say, the fair way out may be some arbitrary but natural line of division in Kashmir, the choice being open to Kashmiris (Hindus and Muslims alike) to go to one side or the other. But we cannot solve this problem here.
The Christian churches in the two countries
Regarding repercussions on churches, it appears Indian Christians are so solidly identified with the interests of India that they are not open to much discussion with outsiders. Sometimes those of us who live outside India find it difficult to enter into this psychology. We need not therefore expect any startlingly conciliatory view from the NCC of India.
In Pakistan the situation is even more delicate for the Church. On the one hand, theocratic feelings are growing in vehemence making religious minorities (mainly Hindus and Christians) increasingly reactive and insecure. On the other hand, the leaning towards Peking may make it necessary for the state to be more overtly anti-Christian, Christianity still being considered a western religion.
Christians, many of whom are unsympathetic to Pakistan's new foreign policy, are suspected of being pro-western. Some have even been arrested on charges of espionage for the west.
Equally worrying is the growing isolation of the church in Pakistan, which would find it more and more difficult to travel to other Asian countries without passing through India.
Perhaps an attempt should be made to bring some Indian and Pakistani Christians together under EACC or others auspices to talk to each other in the presence of others.