KASHMIR SITUATION
Pushp Saraf On Kashmir Situation
Greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir? Past records show that it is merely a slogan, often used by leaders in the Valley and outside for temporary gains.
It is mainly because no national political party is prepared to spell out the quantum of autonomy. The United Front has promised "the maximum autonomy" in its Common Minimum Programme, which is a vague assurance. Home Minister Indrajit Gupta has said that the issue will be decided by the new State Assembly.
Two attempts have been made so far to define the quantum of autonomy. The first was on July 24, 1952, when an accord widely known as the Delhi Agreement was reached between Sheikh Abdullah and the Central Government, providing limited Central jurisdiction over the State. It went haywire in less than a year. Sheikh Abdullah was dismissed and arrested on August 9, 1953, as, according to the then Government's perception, began dreaming of an independent Kashmir.
Another attempt to define the quantum of autonomy was made in November (1995) in a rather dramatic manner. In an unprecedented address to the nation from Burkino Faso, the then Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, said the Government was prepared to change the nomenclatures of State Governor and Chief Minister to those of Sadar-e-Riyasat and Wazir-e-Azam, respectively.
The concession was sought to be made to lure the National Conference to participate in the Lok Sabha polls. It boomeranged. The NC rejected the offer and it insisted on the restoration of the pre-1953 dispensation, which means the implementation of the Delhi Agreement.
There is no change in the NC's stand. It is unlikely that any political party will endorse the restoration of the nomenclatures which were abolished by the Sadiq Government in the State on April 10, 1965.
A historic fact is that even Sheikh Abdullah had settled for the nomenclature to the Chief Minister when he returned to power in February 1974, following his accord with Indira Gandhi. Indira Gandhi had clearly stated, rejecting any return to the past, "the hands of the clock could not be put back". In this milieu, it is little surprising that few leaders talk about Article 370 of the Indian Constitution guaranteeing special status to the State. The Article has ceased to be on the agenda of the majority of concerned parties.
The secessionist groups in the Valley are looking beyond it. The NC is harping on the Delhi Agreement. The minorities in the State want Article 370 to be abrogated as they are for stronger ties with New Delhi.
In this backdrop. a resolution to assure the State level political parties that the issue of autonomy will be decided by the new State Assembly... is expected to be presented in Parliament for its endorsement.
Government circles hope that the resolution will encourage the State-level parties to wholeheartedly participate in the Assembly polls, expected to be held in September or early October.
(Source: The Indian Express, 7 July, 1996)
Sabina Inderjit On Kashmir Situation
The government's attempt should be to involve as wide a spectrum of people as possible and not just political parties. 'Encompass all those who have not participated in past elections for some reason or the other. For, a wider base is the essence of democracy".
"All those who want to participate for a peaceful solution should be treated at par and not as a secondary. Both the Home Minister and Prime Minister should be talking to everyone. There should be no two levels-you cannot talk to some persons at political level and some others at the official level."
"It is to be admitted that in the past leaders have emerged, who do not have political background. But quite a section has a faith in them. It should be seen that they are being talked to. Unilateral announcement is not going to take you far.
"My appeasement is that people are fed up with violence either on behalf of the state or by others. In the whole process there is a feeling they have lost much. At the same time-there is an alienation, but this should not be misread as support to anti-India forces. There is also disillusion with Pakistan as they now feel used. and there is an urge for a dignified and peaceful solution. "At the same time. "Fairness of election should be religiously ensured, with no government or state agency backing a group". Even if a package cannot be announced immediately, it is more important that a broad understanding with the larger spectrum of people of Kashmir is arrived at.
“A more intense dialogue can take place after elections. For, a solution has to be found between dignity of Kashmir and sovereignty of country".
"The thinking today that there is a sense of dejection, helplessness and therefore one could easily impose a humiliating solution may work for some few years but it is not a lasting solution.
(Source: The Times of India, 8 July, 1996)
