Sir,
This has reference to the news item regarding Art 370 DE May 18. I was present in December 2013 Jammu rally in which Narendra Modi sought discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of the Article. Hot debate commenced thereafter mainly in the Valley where it became an emotive election issue but failed miserably to provoke the voters. Debate in Jammu Club on 18th if continuation of a thought process is welcome.
What I understood from divergent views on the subject was that Article 370 was more harmful than good because it alienated India from Kashmir more than vise versa. Distrust, presence of security forces & intelligence agencies, more IAS & IPS, more checks and controls on J&K is due to this Article. It blocks investment, development and job opportunities coming to the state.
With a clear verdict against NC and Congress alliance, the supporters of the Article, public of J&K has once again reposed its faith in nationalism. By untimely raising emotive issues like economic blockade of the valley in the past and abrogation of the Article now, politicians, civil society and the intelligentsia may be creating problems for Narendra Modi led Govt in the centre which proposes good times for J&K.
There will be a new Govt in J&K as well in November. Both deserve to be allowed to govern. Instead of chasing article 370 and cementing the distrust, we should be chasing corruption, misgovernance, inflation, development, education, jobs, refugees and migrant problems, old age pensions and health care etc which may minimize miseries of the people on the basis of which politicians exploit innocent masses. Revival of Article 370 issue has the potential of revival of rejected political parties and separatism. Let us be clear that when the politicians seek vote for or against Article 370 or other emotive issues, they seek vote for themselves and the public reserves the option of making right choice.
Yours etc…
Col J P Singh
from Jaipur
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