Pankaj Gupta
The problem of Jammu and Kashmir is the result of spreading of selective information, or in more precise words presenting the manipulated information, so that it will keep the majority in dark and benefit a few. The problem is not only of misinformation but it is a clear case of backstabbing that has been perpetuated by few disgruntled people to meet their own myopic ambitions. Specially, Kashmir, which is called ‘the heaven on earth’, has been marred by the continuous struggle, which has been manifested sometimes in the form of arms struggle or, as presently, stone-pelting. The venom against the secular and democratic country i.e. India, of which J&K is a part, has been instilled among the youth of the valley because of which they despise their own country. The dubious Azadi slogan is raised in the valley to instil fear and anger against India. It is essential to mention here that Jammu and Kashmir has been an integral part of India. Even before India’s independence the state was very much part of India and culturally and historically quite significant for it. The entire Bharat, inclusive of today’s Pakistan, was governed by Britishers with 65% of Bharat was directly ruled by Britishers and the remaining 35% was the princely state, which were under the treaties with the British, and J&K was one such princely state at that time. It is important to mention here that the concept of British India and Princely States were administrative mechanisms and both were under the administrative control of Britishers.
At the time of Independence, British India was partitioned into two dominions, viz. India and Pakistan, due to certain people, belonging to one religion, bent upon creating two nations on communal lines. Since, there was no provision of remaining independent as per Indian Independence Act, the princely states had only option was to choose either of the two dominions, through the instrument of accession. It was a standard instrument of accession that was used in the case of J&K, like any other princely state. It was on 26 October, 1947 that the instrument of accession was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, the then Maharaja of the State. On 27th October, 1947 Mountbatten, the then Governor General of India, signified the IOA and J&K became legally part of India. The State of J&K was spread in a geographical area of 2,22,236 sq. km. at the time of independence. Now, a major portion of this state has been illegally occupied by Pakistan and China. The state is strategically important as it shares boundaries with Tajikistan, China, Afghanistan and Tibet. It has been traditionally a vital route for commercial activities and it was used in spreading our culture in Asia and Europe.
The country India is renowned for its unique features in the form of land, flora and fauna, and also people following the divergent religious faith. It has 29 states and 7 union territories that have been inhabited by the people of different religious beliefs and practices. Some of these states are rich in terms of natural landscapes and other tourist and religious destinations. One such state is Jammu & Kashmir, which is famous for its mesmerising natural beauty. Apart from this, the state is also blessed with a number of holy shrines in Jammu and the Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh. Vaishno Devi and Amarnath are two most revered religious places that observe the infux of Lakhs of Hindus every year. Also, Gulmarg, in Kashmir is famous for its mountainous beauty and ski resort. It is the summer capital of the state whereas Jammu is the winter capital of the state. The entire state is so fascinating that a lot many people may wish to visit the state again and again.
This beautiful state was the princely state, which acceded to India, after independence, through a legal instrument. At present, some parts of the state have been illegally usurped by Pakistan and China. The state is historically, geographically and culturally important for India. I think it is important to understand the historical facts of this state to understand the wrongs that had happened and how they are being misused by certain miscreants, who are spoiling the beauty of this state and its people.
After accession of J&K to India, Sheikh Abdullah, the then Prime Minister of J&K anointed by Maharaja Hari Singh to administer the affairs of the state, backstabbed him. He was a political opportunist who wanted to keep the state of affairs into his own hands. He wanted to dethrone the Maharaja and was succeeded in getting the things done the way he wanted to do. It is unfortunate that Maharaja Hari Singh was to be credited to include J&K with Bharat yet due credit has not been given to him for it. It is also unfortunate that the wishes of Sheikh Abdullah, who had spread the venom against India, were accepted by our then Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. He accepted many unconstitutional things through Nehru-Sheikh accord in 1952. A few of these things were election of governor in the state rather president of India appointing him, prime minister and governor of the state would be called Wazir-e-Azam and Sadr-e-Riyasat, J&K will have separate flag than India, Supreme Court of India will not have jurisdiction in the state, no Indian IAS and IPS for the state etc. which clearly manifest the appeasement policy being adopted by Nehru.
Also, Article 370 was a temporary provision and the constituent assembly debated it as draft Article 306 A. Article 370, is one of the controversial and mostly misused constitutional provision in the Indian history. The provision of 370 was included in Indian constitution as a temporary provision yet even today this Article is there in the constitution. Even today, the issue has been unresolved due to past mishandling and submission to the wishes of only one man. Though the said Article itself reads as “Temporary provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir” yet it is quite unfortunate that the State constituent assembly got dissolved without abrogating this controversial provision. It is also unfortunate that the democracy is being compromised since India’s independence. The secular fabric, that has been an integral feature of the country, has been severely affected by not timely abrogating the temporary constitutional provision. This provision has not only affecting the development of the state but also keeping the innocent Kashmiris in limbo.
Presently, 1,01,387 sq. kms of geographical area of Jammu & Kashmir is administered by India, which is comprised of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladak regions. Out of these three regions Ladak is one of the biggest among them, and it is a Buddhist majority region, but having only one Lok Sabha seat and four state assembly seats. Jammu on the other hand, is the second largest region, and it is a Hindu majority region, having a total number of 37 state assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats. Lastly, Kashmir, the smallest region, and has Muslim majority population, yet it has a total number of 46 state assembly seats and 3 Lok sabha seats. It is unfortunate that the fate of the entire state is decided by only a few handful ill-minded people. The appeasement policy that has been adopted by the then central government can be gauged from the fact the centre of power was kept with two families only.
It is the irony that Pakistan has been found on religious lines and illegally occupied the part of J&K, and it wants to divide India on communal lines again. Also to meet its vicious agenda, it actively supports the separatists in the valley. It is also a known fact that there are certain groups, which are sympathetic to Pakistan and wanted the integration of Kashmir with it. It is important to understand that the entire Kashmir valley is not a problematic area but only five districts i.e. Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Shopian, and Pulwama are problematic. Also, not the entire population is anti-India but a few handful people, who instigate the otherwise innocent people of the valley. These people receive funds from Pakistan. It is quite unfortunate to see that the separatists do not engage their own children or their kins into the separation agenda and the innocent people are used as expendables. Such things are clear as various videos (sting operations) are in public domain. They lure the innocent Kashmiris to support their (separatists) vicious ambitions. It is quite unfortunate that the state that has legally acceded to India, through a legal instrument, is still a matter of debate and a few people with vested interest are trying to make it an issue for debate. The azadi hypocrites, whether in Kashmir or in any other part of India, are bent upon provoking the youth. And if someone understands their tricks and follow the developmental path, he/ she will be brutally murdered the way Lt. Ummer Fayaz, a resident of Kulgam, was murdered. But the time has been changing and the youth of Kashmir are coming out of the clutches of the traitors. We only need to have a dialogue with Kashmiri youth to correct their misconceptions about history and the present situation.