VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 04/22/12 -- In order for there to be peace between Sikhs and Punjabis and the central government in Delhi there needs to be a formal structure to begin peaceful dialogue, debate, and discussion. This process needs a mandate from the people. In the simple, grassroots ten step Punjab-India peace plan below I create a framework where both parties can discuss the ideas and issues and move forward in the interests of a mutually beneficial political peace.
I. CONSULTATIONS: The first step involves electronic web consultations. Anyone, anywhere can submit ideas, issues, and recommendations on the future of Punjab and India. It would be ideal for a non-profit agency from within Punjab to initiate these consultations but if none can be found then a relevant and suitable agency from abroad can handle this first step.
II. SUMMARY: The second step is to produce a clear and concise list summarizing all the information gathered. A statistical analysis of how many times each idea or issue was submitted would be included with the data results. This summary list should not exclude any information. In fact, the submission of ideas and issues representing all sides of the debate should be encouraged and reflected in the summary list.
III. ENDORSEMENTS: The third step is to send the summary list to all the current elected local, state, and central government politicians in Punjab and seek their endorsement to simply open debate and discussion with the people of Punjab.
IV. DEBATE: The fourth step is for the politicians from Punjab to open debate and discussion within their respective constituencies whether through town halls or other means.
V. FEEDBACK: The fifth step is for the politicians from Punjab to incorporate the views of their respective constituents into the summary list.
VI. CONFERENCE: The sixth step is for all the current elected local, state, and central government politicians from Punjab to attend a Founding Conference in Chandigargh where they would develop one official summary list and framework document. Minority groups, women, and special populations that are not adequately represented among the elected politicians would be invited to this Founding Conference for their feedback and input as advisory members. Expert observers and academics and negotiating teams would also be invited to provide support to the elected officials.
VII. MOTIONS: The seventh step is for all the current elected local, state, and central government politicians from Punjab to introduce a motion in their respective city councils, state assembly, and the central government in Delhi for the Government of Punjab and the Government of India to open formal dialogue, debate, and discussion on the framework document agreed to at the Founding Conference.
VIII. NEGOTIATIONS: The eighth step would be for the Government of Punjab and India to negotiate in good faith with each other and come to a final settlement agreement that is mutually beneficial and fair for both parties.
IX. REFERENDUM: The ninth step would be for the Government of Punjab to hold a state wide referendum on the final settlement agreement reached with Delhi.
X. CEREMONY: The tenth and final step would be to make the necessary legal and constitutional changes if necessary to adopt the final settlement agreement reached with Delhi if the referendum passes. An official ceremony would be held to recognize the new status of Punjab with its new duties, responsibilities, and powers.
I recognize and realise that I am a bit of an optimist but I believe in the capacity of people to accomplish great things especially when they work together cooperatively looking out for the best interests of each other.
About the Author
Alex Sangha is a Registered Social Worker in British Columbia. He is the author of the social discussion book The Modern Thinker. Alex has a MSc in Public Administration and Public Policy from the Department of Government from the London School of Economics. Alex was voted by Canadians in a national people's choice award to be one of the winners of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2011.
Contacts:
Alex Sangha
alexsangha@gmail.com
http://alexsangha.com