Collectively confront vested interests

Vijay Hashia
The appointment of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in UT J&K, after a year from abrogation of Art-370 has sent a positive signal across all the political parties ushering a new era of hope for revival and change of entire political, social and economic spectrum of the UT and in this direction number of steps taken by the governments both at the centre and UT are on anvil. Amidst this hope of revival and change, the first step expected from all political parties is to collectively confront vested interests and save youth from the clutches of ISI terror machinery followed by supporting the administration in overall development of UT. In this endeavour, the PM in his address to the nation on August 15, 2020 had said, “Once the delimitation process is completed, an election will be held in the UT, and it will have its own Chief Minister and ministers. We are committed to this.” On the development of projects undertaken, the PM said, “This one year is a year of the new journey of development for Jammu and Kashmir…….” The message was loud and prudent for all the political parties including the oldest NC which drew lacklustre for its double whammy of restoration of Art -370 and doom & gloom of its erstwhile power, therefore, the louder shriek.
Abdullahs have legacy, they are adept believing in political shrieks by flinging controversial statements on Kashmir issue and so is PDP. Bringing China angle to support in restoring Article 370 is irresponsible from a veteran politician. It is also at the time when China has amassed sixty thousand troops all along the Ladakh borders and any flick or a spark could escalate the war between two nuclear countries. Farooq’s statement on restoration of Art 370 with China support is not a new squawk on Kashmir. It coincides with Omar’s statement who as CM had on May 27, 2014 said, “Article 370 is the only constitutional link between J&K & rest of India, talk of revocation is not just ill-informed, it is irresponsible”. Omar had also said “Long after Modi Government is a distant memory either J&K won’t be part of India or Art 370 will still exist”. Prior to this in a gathering to commemorate the death anniversary of one of NC’s founding leaders, Farooq Abdullah on Feb 24, 2017 said, “New generation of militants in the State are fighting for freedom of this nation. Our youth are giving sacrifices. They don’t want to become MLA, MP or Ministers. They are rendering sacrifices demanding their rights. This is our land and we are its owners, you are not. This should not be forgotten…..” Yet, prior to this on Nov 24, 2016, when he was addressing a function in Chenab Valley, he taunted the Government by saying PoK is not a personal property to be inherited and questioned India’s claim by saying, ” Kya Yeh Tumareh Bap Ka Hai,” ( Is it your father’s). So had Mehbooba Mufti, “That tinkering with or touching it will not only burn the hand but the whole body will go ashes.”
Look at her recent statement after being released from detention “None of us can forget the ‘insult’ and ‘humiliation’ we faced on August 5 when Article 370 was repealed “illegally” and in an “anti-democratic” manner. We need to take back what Delhi Darbar took away (Article 370) from us illegally and in an undemocratic manner. Not only this, but the issue of Kashmir needs to be resolved too for which several Kashmiris have given up their lives. I know the path won’t be easy but we need to continue with this struggle. Today, when I am being let off, I demand the release of others who are still in detention illegally, she said in her message to the people.”
The moot question, what necessitates Farooq Abdullah to take dig on China for restoration of Art 370? What makes NC&PDP feel so nervous and insecure that absence of Art 370 is perceived a threat for the development and progress? Wasn’t the erstwhile State left bereft of its development since its accession under the tenure of NC & PDP for 34 and 6 years respectively? What ails the most has been spate in terrorist activities during their rule, lack of good governance and rampant corruption which were impediments to growth and development. Massive financial aid in the past under the tag ‘special status’, piled improperly. The ‘financial subterfuge that has become a passé and old rumpus, as it could neither be probed in depth nor proved. Though CAG indicted the State Government a number of times over its misuse but simultaneously had to waive off these irregularities. Comparing with the other states, J&K got 95% grant in aid and 5% as loan as against other states in the ratio of 80% loan to 40% grant. Presently, enormous aid on security related expenditures are reimbursed by the centre. The Centre has been funding the entire plan expenditure and also pays the financial assistance to Kashmiri migrants who were forced to flee the valley due to turmoil. The ex-gratia to the people killed in terrorist acts is also paid by the centre. Right from independence, J&K has been on doles without any returns, as it enjoyed the fruits under the tag Art 370. State tourism is in sullenness, other revenue generating industries are also beleaguered by several problems due to the ongoing militancy. The retention of Article 370 therefore, was a bristly quill of a porcupine reared to play romp over vote bank politics.
Both NC and PDP seem to be obfuscated by erroneous notions of utter outdated derisive ideologies, therefore, instead of commiseration with people, they are fanning envy and bitterness, anti India tirade, as both are pitted to furthering own secluded agendas of moderate separatism of either autonomy or self-rule. The 83 year old, three time former CM and second time MP, who has lost an election only once in his 42 year political career since 1980, the statement seems politically incorrect and self demeaning of his stature. Not out of place to mention that Farooq’s tenure as CM has always been controversial, as he at the helm managed rigging in 1986 that led to total political disorder and chaos. He had been golfing and enjoying motorcycle rides when Kashmiri Pandit Community was driven away from the valley. Also, Gandhi Abdullah family nexus has been the cause for personal political ambitions at the cost of state’s progression. Weren’t all these privileges, violations enjoyed as impunity under the garb of Art -370 that its jettisoning is recalibrated to proponents Pak, secessionists’ elements and now China, all intended to instigate Kashmiris for anti India propaganda as had been in the past. The shrieks that has always been as louder as lion’s roar but every time it has drawn flak. It had in the past been debated during Nehru’s era on Nov 27, 1963 and GL Nanda also took up for its abrogation on Dec 4, 1964. Narasimha Rao spoke of autonomy but short of aazadi. United Front PM, I K Gujral, in 1996 had also raised the same pitch but none could do away with it but by Modi government. Further rhetoric at Pak or China’s ambit will only jeopardise the UT’s development plans and the will to resurrect it back on the rail.
Beyond doubt, to recall Sheikh Abdullah’s belated dream of 70s, ”The Naya Kashmir” was of good governance, political order and people’s empowerment, had dispelled the scares of its wrong notion now perceived a threat to Kashmiris. The irony is so blatant that it straddles the line between cringe inducing and amusing, whenever, the shrill rhetoric continues to gloss over by the politicians. The sense of proportion for NC and PDP would be to look at the larger picture beyond Art 370 for UT’s development. Kashmir is yet to be freed from terrorism. This year alone, 189 terrorists have been killed. Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama are still terror hot beds and the Army has tough time to deal encounters. Recently, a religious school in Shopian district has come under the scanner of investigating agencies after 13 of its students were found to have joined terror groups. Institution’s students include Sajjad Bhat an accused in the Feb 2019 suicide attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama which left 40 personnel dead. The terror infrastructure is intact in Pak, airdropping of weapons by drones and luring of juveniles into terror camps are new challenges which all political parties could collectively fight to bring them back into fold besides appealing local militants to surrender and lead a peaceful and normal life instead of ranting for China support. The loose statements will only boost the morale of militant; the shrieks will draw flak as it has been in the past.
(The writer is a Senior Management Consultant, an activist)
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