Anil Anand
NEW DELHI, Mar 10: A rare focus on the total neglect of Jammu in the ongoing discourse on resolution of issues confronting Jammu and Kashmir turned out to be focus at the release of book titled ‘KARAN SINGH, Jammu and Kashmir (1949-1967)’ here. The book has been authored Harbans Singh, a Dogra settled in Chandigarh.
Sharing the dais, Dr Karan Singh and former Chief Justice of India T S Thakur pointed out as to how Jammu has not only been part of any plan developmental or otherwise but some persons of eminence have faltered on occasions in performing their duties towards Jammu and Kashmir and Jammu in particular.
Dr Karan Singh, the subject matter of this book which traces his journey as Sadar-e-Riyasat and subsequent Governor of the State during this turbulent period, said that most of the earlier books written about the State are Kashmir-centric. Surprisingly, Jammu had altogether been ignored by these authors. He lauded Harbans Singh for removing this anomaly in his book.
Tracing the history of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh said that had his fore-fathers not found this State neither Kashmir valley nor other areas would have been part of India at all. “I request historians to realise the significance of Jammu and give the region proper place in their future writings,” he added.
In yet another significant observation, he said that time has come to re-evaluate the entire process of formation of Jammu and Kashmir. “How a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious State was kept together for over 100 years which then fell apart, is a subject matter of historical research,” he added.
He clarified that his views about Jammu should not be misconstrued as anti-Kashmir. “If I talk about Jammu that does not mean I am against Kashmir. Neglect of Jammu by historians is painful,” he said. In a word of caution, Dr Singh said that it was not necessary that he agreed with everything written in the book.
Tracing his role during this period, he said that he was not a mere figure-head in the State at that time as people generally think. “I had a very difficult task at hand to perform,” he further said.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Thakur referring to the book said that it highlights the significance of Jammu under prevailing circumstances. It is a fact that Dr Karan Singh during the period under scrutiny in this book had pointed out deep seated prejudices against Jammu. “In fact at times he swam against the tide to convey his views regarding Jammu,” he added.
He said that the historians will not forgive those who faltered in performing their duties. The obvious reference was to events related to accession of J&K with India and subsequent developments. The narrative of the book is very objective and fully researched, he said.
Justice Singh described Jammu and Kashmir as both beautiful and of utmost geo-political importance. “The region is being constantly eyed by super-powers as its significance has increased over the years,” he said.
Tracing the history of formation of Jammu and Kashmir, Justice Singh said that its boundaries had been extended up to Lhasa due to vision, valour and bravery of Dogras.
Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who was presented first copy of the book by Justice Singh, said that the troubled history of Jammu and Kashmir is well known. “Thinking men and women of this continent must discuss whether a lasting solution to the problem can be found and how,” he said.
Paying compliments to Dr Karan Singh, Dr Manmohan Singh said that he had played an important role in shaping historic events at crucial moments in the recent history of the state. “It was not easy to deal with Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah either for Government of India or Dr Karan Singh. But he provided a unique leadership to the State in facing the crisis.”
Stating that the books also deals with the roles of former Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed, Ghulam Mohammed Sadiq and Shamas u Din, he said justice has not been done by historians in judging Bakshi’s role to keep the State united. His role must be recognised by the historians as it was equally important in shaping historic events, he added.
“There is a lot of unfinished agenda that needs to be followed,” he added without further explaining.
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