Col J P Singh, Retd
Today when I look back, I ponder over two issues, and wonder why Jammu is systematically subjected to indignities and immigration and why there is no coalition between the coalition partners. Behind every irksome move, I see an unmistakable motive. And behind this motive I see an invisible hand. This invisible hand(s) has alarmed the people this sides of Pir Panjal more than the other. I notice that when Jammu reacts to anything, it is red flag. When Kashmir reacts, it is white and that is what is worrying Jammu. Pity, above all is, Jammu is slow to react.
Jammu and Kashmir is three distinct regions. State is also demographically divided with Jammu predominantly Hindu, Kashmir predominantly Muslim and Ladakh with Buddhists and Shias. Kashmir is sandwiched. Undeniably, unlike other states, governance in J&K is uniquely complicated. Being a border state it acquired a special status and a special geo-political significance. India’s relations with China and Pakistan directly influence happenings in J&K. Article 370 offers it a special status. It is a nation within a nation. Jammu is considered Delhi’s baby, because BJP is in the coalition, Kashmir of Pakistan because they see Pakistan as role model despite its volatility. Politics in Kashmir is also volatile. The fact is that whosoever is with Pakistan and separatists wins the election in Kashmir. After becoming CM, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed thanked Pakistan and separatists for peaceful election. Considered affiliations of these regions put Kashmir at greater disadvantage. Kashmiriat is being killed by Pakistan, Islamic radicals and the politicians. Pak is pro-actively supporting terrorism while others are supporting anti-India activities in Kashmir which subjects it to bandhs, hartals and stone pelting. Youths die in the process. Schools are being burnt. Valley legislators fish in the troubled waters. Ladakh is already looking over its shoulders. It is looking at Delhi. Hence Jammu ought to be the natural beneficiary but it is not. Jammu is geographically so located that it inherits more usefulness than other parts because it is the gateway to the remaining two. Economically and politically Kashmir’s survival depends upon Jammu. Ironically Jammu doesn’t realise its worth. Kashmir did it. Pakistan also understood the reality. Having forced Pandits out of the Valley (ethnic clinsing) in 1990, they realised the advantages of demographic dividends. Hence demographic change in being brought in Jammu. It is a well planned strategy. It is framed by the ISI. Separatists are just the pawns in the plan. In no way Pak indulgence empowers Kashmir, rather ruins it. Turn Kashmir into an Islamic state, occupy it and exploit it like Gilgit-Baltistan; is its agenda. Hundreds of killings each summer in the Valley, unrest and decline in tourism are affecting its economy. Killing winds blow Kashmir every now and then, more often when some good things happen. This is a vicious circle. Recent killing cycle coincides with the formation of Mehbooba Mufti led Govt. On the very sight of military vehicle or Jawans, the civilians, especially youth, spontaneously come out in the streets, shout anti army-anti India slogans and pelt stones to shield militants and abort operations. Whenever any youth gets injured / killed in army or police action, it automatically evokes violent outrage amongst youths and leads to more tension. What Pak is doing to Kashmir is for them to judge. But what Kashmir is doing to Jammu affects us all. We need to flash back. Not to blame anyone but to get at the roots. It is for us to judge and be aware for the future. Who else is harming Jammu is also open to debate.
Jammu is more tense than ever before not because of terrorist attacks on Nagrota military camps but because of illegal immigrants. India continues to believe that Pakistan is villain. With this attitude, Delhi see nothing wrong in immigration and the consequent fallout in Jammu. Demography of Kashmir and demographic change going on in Jammu do not worry India. It doesn’t factor Kashmir in this villainy. Let us first consider who is ruling J&K. It is not Pakistan. J&K is being ruled by PDP-BJP coalition. To my mind it is PDP which is ruling whereas BJP is just watching. If that is true, as it appears, it is not fair to Jammu. Hence Jammu is justly worried. Having voted BJP into Govt formation, when it doesn’t speak for Jammu, the public gets agitated, first to know why it doesn’t, and secondly to visualize its consequences.
Jammu is vast in area with as much population as Kashmir. Yet its political representation in the state legislature is much lesser. Jammuites being minority in a majority Muslim state get no economic and political benefits. In jobs, they don’t get more than about 30%. Its pluralistic population structure makes Jammu attractive and exploitative. Political and economic survival of Kashmir depends upon Jammu. It became clear during Shri Amarnath Land Agitation of 2008. During the agitation, former and current CMs were gheraoed at Jammu Airport and had to be Heli-lifted to Nagrota. Their residences were heavily guarded by the central security forces. One word from an agitation leader, who happened to be in BJP, to block national highway (economic blockade), the state and the central Govt were shaken. Centre put the national highway under the Army. This is the Jammu’s worth. It is time the people of Jammu understood it.
Leaving the past behind and coming to the happenings of the recent past, many disturbing things have happened in Jammu and Kashmir, more in Jammu. Controversies over controversies are being created every now and then, little realising that they are purposely targeted at a particular region and community. Three controversial issues came up in the J&K Legislative Assembly in the month of January 2017. They were (i) grant of holiday on Maharaja Hari Singh Jyanti (ii) presences of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis and (iii) statement of CM calling those anti-national who talk of Article 370. Collective contrarian attitude of the Assembly towards Jammu and blowing hot and cold over the issues mentioned above are endangering its identity and hitting at its pride. BJP’s silence has shaken Jammu’s conscience. Anti-national statements are being made on the floor of the house. One sided NO to Pandit colonies and Sainik Colony in the Valley is hegemonic. It is felt that what Jammu is being subjected to right now is humiliation. Having voted a pro Jammu party to power, when their identity, security and self respect is attacked, that party not providing shield, it is justly worrisome. Politics in Jammu is also looking complicated. Jammu has tolerated many indignities in the past. Flow of migrants from various inhospitable and violent parts of the state in its fold has not yet been resented but settlement of illegal immigrants is being vigorously challenged. With Panther Party taking the lead, Dogra Sadar Sabha, Jammu Civil Society, various forums, establishments, politicians and NGOs have taken up this contentious issue seriously. But BJP is utterly silent. BJP’s indifference to subversive signals from the valley and demographic changes in Jammu is a serious matter from Jammu’s perspective and a signal to its future prospects. Infact whole state is turning into an enduringly vexed religious issue. Everything is taking religious overtones. Regional and geo-political situations is undergoing a paradigm shift. Jammu is becoming the scapegoat. Jammu’s concerns are genuine. The people, considering all the issues inclusively, see a danger to their identity. Gun is no option in Jammu as of now. Governor’s rule is also not a choice yet. Jammu’s problem can be easily solved on the table. Jammu has its arguments ready. Illegal migrants need an urgent repatriation. Reactions in various Forums and forms are surging. The mood is, ‘pick up the cudgel’. Let’s hope only good comes out of it.
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