B L Saraf
One may or may not like it but it can’t be ignored. We have The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) in mind. Some call it an assemblage of group of disgruntled and discarded politicians who are in search of business. Others see a ray of hope in the conglomerate. While as former argument has a ring of predictability in it as this is said of every new political formation which threatens to dislodge an established one , latter has an undertone of optimism – may be an exaggerated one.
The PAGD has been formed, reportedly , with the purpose to safeguard Constitutional and democratic rights of the people in erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Alliance comprises NC, PDP, PC, CPI (M), CPI and other splinter political groups in Kashmir. First Gupkar Declaration (GD) was made on 4th August 2019 which called for safeguarding the special status of J&K. The second meeting of the group was held on 22 August 2020. Mehbooba Mufti could not attend it as she was in detention. The participants came out with a statement ” We all reiterate our commitment to the collective fight to restore special status for J&K as granted under Constitution and commitments made from time to time. The division of the state is unacceptable to us.” We are given to understand that GD 11 is a first step to bring together forces committed to defend special status , statehood and rights of the people.
Mehbooba Mufti joined the group soon after her release from the detention and other meeting of the group was held on 15th Oct, where formation of PAGD was announced. The Alliance , as promised , opens up the window for asking questions to the ruling political and administrative establishment. For years people in UT seemed to have forgotten or were frightened to ask questions to the Government. Questions have to be raised. The society which gives up its right to question state actions is a dead society.
It is worth taking note of that the PAGD has reiterated its allegiance to the Constitution of India and committed itself to the national integrity. The participants say that their fight is against BJP’s policies adopted towards J&K. Well, BJP should take no offence to such a statement, except use their political right to fight the Alliance on political merits and not deride it as anti-national. BJP is not and can’t be the nation. Who other than the founding fathers of this party know it better that “Indira is not India nor India is Indira. ” Because they had to bear the maxim brunt of Indira Gandhi’s onslaught on the nation’s constitutional democracy, in 1975. Similarly , ” BJP can’t be India nor India the BJP.” NDA partners, then in the Avatar of Janta Party, vociferously denounced late Dev Kant Barua – the author of infamous quote for ushering in a culture of sycophancy, to the detriment of national interest.
Kashmir is gasping for fresh political breath. People in Jammu region are not happy with the promulgation of latest Land laws which make it easy for outsiders to acquire land in the UT. Much promised Domicile law has been turned on its head. They have other grievances, also.
Residents in Ladakh too don’t feel happy about the prevailing state of affairs. While as they are happy over UT status but feel hurt that regions’ geo-political importance has not been duly recognized by the Central Government. Their grouse is that after being designated as a UT the region is treated as a municipality town governed by bureaucrats alone . The Ladhakis demand of inclusion in 6th Schedule of the Union Constitution has not been met. Some keen observers of region’s strategic position want more than inclusion in this Schedule. They want proper political empowerment and seek a “higher political status commensurate with Ladakh’s historical profile. “Kashmiri Pandits feel let down. Leave alone the major ones, their basic demands have not been met. Employment component of the PM’s package, announced in 2009, has not been satisfied, fully, till now. And those given the employment suffer for want of proper living place in Kashmir. Temples and shrines in the Valley lay vandalized and abandoned for want of a statutory cover. The Community’s demand for a law to protect these places gathers dust.
Therefore, if not for anything else at least for providing us with an outlet to come out of the stale and suffocating political atmosphere the conglomerate needs to be thanked. It is, however, up to them to do a fair business and not indulge in provocative and rabble raising rhetoric. That will carry them nowhere. On the contrary, they will be overwhelmed by the so called nationalist with the anti-national accusations which will distract them from the real job.
The task lying ahead is, undoubtedly, a tough one for the Alliance. It is up against a political adversary whose political and administrative capabilities, as of today, are unmatched. Before raising other issues, it must focus on restoration of full democratic politics in the erstwhile state. Indifferent and negative attitude may not help it. The leaders will have to take the call as and when it comes from quarters concerned. The first and foremost need for the Alliance is to dispel the impression that it is only Valley specific. It must carry all sections of J&K along with.
LG Manoj Sinha , who with his public outreach seems to have struck a right cord with people in the UT, should rise above political considerations of his parent political party and ensure a level playing field for the PAGD, to play a fair game. In this regard his latest statement that he is ready to talk to all stakeholders to normalize J&K is a welcome development. LG may advise GOI accordingly. After all BJP has, in the recent past and in beginning of the Century, done business with major partners of the Alliance like PDP, PC and NC – either in J&K or in New Delhi. Sooner than later, GOI will have to engage with these parties if a sustainable peace has to return to J&K.
(The author is former Principal District &Sessions Judge)
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