If the Sheikh had shown a little more patience and had the Indian government acted with sagacity the interests of the state as well as the country would have been served far bet- ter. On the contrary, the Kashmir Accord spoiled the taste on both sides.
Kashmiris felt cheated while a sizeable section of Indian public opinion resented `appeasement.'
BY coincidence, foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan are meeting in New Delhi today, February 25, the day which has a profound historic significance for Jammu & Kashmir state and its people.
It was on this day in the year 1975 that the Indian government sought to open `a new chapter' in its turbulent relationship with the popular sentiment in Kashmir. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was sworn in on that fateful day as the chief minister, 22 years after he had been unde- mocratically overthrown and imprisoned.
35 years on, that `new chapter' seems to have worn itself out.
The level of Kashmir's emotional integration with rest of the coun- try has fallen to a new low. It is this key facet that the Sheikh symbolised in flesh and blood and which lends moral legitimacy to the constitutional, legal and technical integration. Haunted by the negative fallout of this chronic deficiency in its Kashmir case, India had no compunction in `turning back the hands of the clock' (to 1953)' for its own sake even while denying the same to the Sheikh for honouring his share of obligation. Apparently the Sheikh was compensated with reinstatement to his 1953 position of authority but actually the ornate seat he came to occupy had been rendered hollow from inside.
While the changeover from Syed Mir Qasim to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on Feb 25, 1975 suited India's momentary interests and served its purpose for the next about two decades or so, denial of the same to the Sheikh on the ground that the `hands of the clock cannot be turned back' sowed the seeds of a great disaster that struck the state in the 1989-90 period, less than a decade after the Sheikh's demise in September, 1982.
In retrospect it looks that if the Sheikh had shown a little more patience and had the Indian gov- ernment acted with sagacity the interests of the state as well as the country would have been served far better. On the con- trary, the Kashmir Accord spoiled the taste on both sides.
Kashmiris felt cheated while a sizeable section of Indian public opinion resented `appeasement.'
Sheikh's loss of popularity and credibility on this account, how- ever, did not bother him in his life time (till 1982) because of his immense tall stature and unri- valled popularity. But shortly after him, the edifice began to creak until it collapsed with devastating impact. The Sheikh was able to tackle all odds because of his own moral authority that out- weighed his temporal authority which he wielded between 1975 and 1982. Even so, the emotional alienation triggered off by the events preceding February 25, 1975 continued to take its subter- ranean toll. The fragile surface- calm vanished shortly after him, unleashing a Tsunami of accu- mulated anger and alienation.
Simmering alienation bared its teeth with vengeance and contin- ues to take a heavy toll across the board. 35 years after the Sheikh was gifted with a considerably down-sized chair to rescue the Indian `cause' from the quagmire of alienation Kashmir, the key question of its moral legitimacy continues to loom overhead ominously.
Two conclusions are readily available: One that it does not pay, in the long run at least, to undermine the credibility of local leadership even for momentary advantage to the more powerful side; and two that in the changed scenario Pakistan has to be brought on board even in the so- called `internal dimension' of the Kashmir problem. Though not on that scale or pattern, the run-up to the 1975 Kashmir Accord appears to be repeating itself in the year 2010 as if nobody had cared to learn the lesson of the history. All that the much-talked about and little-pursued `quiet dialogue' has so far achieved is to damage the credibility of the sep- aratist leaders, like that in the Sheikh's case. As the ultimate fate of the 1975 Kashmir Accord showed, tactical advantage gained through unfair bargain- ing was bound to prove counter- productive.
The Kashmir Accord was con- cluded within less than three years of the famous Shimla Accord between India and Pakistan that bound the two countries to a bilateral approach in resolving mutual disputes including the one over Kashmir. This co-relation between the two Accords (of 1972 and 1975) underlines the inherent linkage between normalisation of Indo- Pak relationship and resolving the internal dimension of the Kashmir problem.
Whether Nirupama Rao, Indian foreign secretary, and her Pakistani counterpart, Salman Bashir, scheduled to meet in New Delhi today, hold `talks' (as India would like to call it) or resume their stalled `dialogue' (as Pakistan would want) Kashmir issue and Kashmir-related issues are bound to figure prominently otherwise the exercise would be without substance. The meeting between Kashmiri separatist leaders with Pakistan foreign secretary on the eve of latter's diplomatic engagement with his Indian counterpart is how it ought to be. Leaving aside the bigger issue of a final settlement, even the process of confidence building measures in which both the countries have invested a lot in the recent past can be sus- tained only through mutual good- will. Kashmir and its people have vital stakes involved in this part of the bargain.
Again, going back to the 1975 analogy, Pakistan had been side- lined while Kashmir Accord was concluded with the Sheikh. The impact of this omission was almost instant. Kashmir Valley observed total hartal called by the late ZA Bhutto to symbolise `rejection' of the Kashmir Accord.
To demarcate the typical nuances of their peculiar approach, the very same Kashmiris who had `rejected' the Accord (on Bhutto's call) gave a hero's welcome to Sher-e- Kashmir as he travelled to the Valley by road from Jammu.
Failure to appreciate this deli- cate nuance in the Kashmiri psy- che lies at the heart of India's troubles. It has by now become a blind spot.
Over-simplifying the prevailing uneasy ground situation in Kashmir by dubbing it as an act of `paid stone throwers' is myopic.
Emotional alienation across the Valley needs to be recognised for what it really is. Otherwise the end-result would be no different from the comparable past.
Those who were witness to the events of that historic day of Feb 25, 1975 would remember about an hour long suspense-filled delay in the Sheikh's swearing in at Jammu Raj Bhavan by the then Governor LK Jha. While the invited gathering waited for the Sheikh to turn up, Mir Qasim and a few others were engaged in virtually rescuing the Accord itself. The Sheikh, lodged in the Canal Road state Guest House, had been badly disturbed by New Delhi's one-sided official inter- pretation of the Accord through official mass media. He was having second thoughts on being sworn in. He foresaw deeper intrigue into it until Mir Qasim reassured him.
Earlier also, New Delhi had abruptly done an about-turn on another key issue. Till the time the Sheikh came to attend the special session of the Congress Legislature Party at the Banquet Hall of the chief minister's resi- dence on Feb 24 he was supposed to be elected as the CLP leader.
But, again some mysterious eleventh hour intervention changed the agenda. The CLP was only to extend its support to the Sheikh and not elect him as its leader. The aftermath of the difference between the two propositions was to unfold soon after. Mental reservations at the top even or settled issues played havoc. Today it is degenerated into solid mental blocks on either side. Over-simplifying the prob- lem demeans the dialogue itself and obfuscates the reality. The lessons of the February 25, 1975 are starkly evident for all con- cerned. Otherwise, the moral defence of India's presence in Kashmir would continue to suffer from its inherent weakness, notwithstanding over-militarisa- tion of the territory.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Time ripe for Pakistan to extend hand of friendship to India: Omar JAMMU,
"It is universal fact that friends can be replaced but neighbors can not be changed, and same holds true with respect to countries like India and Pakistan.
Therefore, it is in the best interest of Pakistan as a good neighbors to extend hand of friendship, at this very juncture, when Indo Pak talks are scheduled, so that both the countries are able to reap the fruits of amicable co-existence". , observed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while addressing to a mammoth gathering in Kunjwani Jammu on the occasion of laying of foundation stone of Rs. 34 crore Kunjwani- Satwari Road.
The Chief Minister said that world is aware of the reality that situation is not conducive in Pakistan. Pakistan has to play a positive role for creating a peaceful atmosphere. He said the firing inci- dents at borders have adverse affect the people who were living on bor- ders and, as a good neighbor, Pakistan has to play vital role in turning these borders as abode of peace and tranquility.
He said that Pakistan has always promised that they will not allow their land to be used for any abnor- mal activity and it is expected that they will prove their determination and fulfill their promises.
The Chief Minister, while reiter- ating his own determination and strong commitment of the Coalition Government, to make Jammu and Kashmir State as a model State, so that all the regions of the State, whether it is Kashmir, Jammu or Ladakh, have equal opportunities to prosper and progress. He comple- menting Roads & Buildings Department for starting today's ambitious project of widening Kunjwani- Satawri road costing Rs.
34 crore. He further said that he would like that the work under mega widening of national highway to be expedited. He also complemented Raman Bhalla for his effective role in the development of his Constituency.
The Chief Minister said that the recently approved project for con- structing artificial lake in Jammu, with an estimated cost of Rs.25 crore, was the basic desire of his grand father Sher-I Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who was desirous that like Dal lake, Jammu people should have also a lake so that it adds beauty of this important winter capital of our State.
The Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that since the present government took over, some forces have been trying their best to divert the attention of people from the basic developmental activities.
They tried to misuse innocent senti- ment of people in the name of region, religion and caste by fomenting trouble through this exploitation but I want to convey them a message a today that National Conference and Congress shall face and defeat all such forces with our strong ideology which is based on secularism and mutual brotherhood, we do not believe in playing religious or regional politics and our workers belong to all reli- gions, regions and castes, therefore, we do not represent one community or one region. Our goal is to usher Jammu and Kashmir State towards new era of progress and develop- ment", he maintained.
Omar said that he is grateful to Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi for giving unprecedented Plan funds to the state for current financial year.
Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister for Revenue & Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla, Minister for R&B, G.M. Saroori, Advisor to Chief Minister, Mubark Gul, MLC, T.S. Wazir, and other senior officers of the State Government were present on the occasion.
Therefore, it is in the best interest of Pakistan as a good neighbors to extend hand of friendship, at this very juncture, when Indo Pak talks are scheduled, so that both the countries are able to reap the fruits of amicable co-existence". , observed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while addressing to a mammoth gathering in Kunjwani Jammu on the occasion of laying of foundation stone of Rs. 34 crore Kunjwani- Satwari Road.
The Chief Minister said that world is aware of the reality that situation is not conducive in Pakistan. Pakistan has to play a positive role for creating a peaceful atmosphere. He said the firing inci- dents at borders have adverse affect the people who were living on bor- ders and, as a good neighbor, Pakistan has to play vital role in turning these borders as abode of peace and tranquility.
He said that Pakistan has always promised that they will not allow their land to be used for any abnor- mal activity and it is expected that they will prove their determination and fulfill their promises.
The Chief Minister, while reiter- ating his own determination and strong commitment of the Coalition Government, to make Jammu and Kashmir State as a model State, so that all the regions of the State, whether it is Kashmir, Jammu or Ladakh, have equal opportunities to prosper and progress. He comple- menting Roads & Buildings Department for starting today's ambitious project of widening Kunjwani- Satawri road costing Rs.
34 crore. He further said that he would like that the work under mega widening of national highway to be expedited. He also complemented Raman Bhalla for his effective role in the development of his Constituency.
The Chief Minister said that the recently approved project for con- structing artificial lake in Jammu, with an estimated cost of Rs.25 crore, was the basic desire of his grand father Sher-I Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who was desirous that like Dal lake, Jammu people should have also a lake so that it adds beauty of this important winter capital of our State.
The Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that since the present government took over, some forces have been trying their best to divert the attention of people from the basic developmental activities.
They tried to misuse innocent senti- ment of people in the name of region, religion and caste by fomenting trouble through this exploitation but I want to convey them a message a today that National Conference and Congress shall face and defeat all such forces with our strong ideology which is based on secularism and mutual brotherhood, we do not believe in playing religious or regional politics and our workers belong to all reli- gions, regions and castes, therefore, we do not represent one community or one region. Our goal is to usher Jammu and Kashmir State towards new era of progress and develop- ment", he maintained.
Omar said that he is grateful to Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi for giving unprecedented Plan funds to the state for current financial year.
Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister for Revenue & Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla, Minister for R&B, G.M. Saroori, Advisor to Chief Minister, Mubark Gul, MLC, T.S. Wazir, and other senior officers of the State Government were present on the occasion.
Tripartite Talks Only Solution : APHC
Tripartite talks between India, Pakistan and Hurriyat Conference leadership can alone enable the restoration of peace in the subcontinent, said Zafar Akbar Bhat, Senior All Party Hurriyat Conference leader and Chairman JK Salvation movement.
While addressing the media persons here today, Bhat appreciated the dia- logue process scheduled to start from tomorrow initiated by the Indian and Pakistan govern- ments for resolving the Kashmir issue. The NC coalition government is only for the purpose of solving the internal issues of the public but for resolving the Kashmir dispute, the Hurriyat Conference is the only representative of the peo- ple of Jammu and Kashmir.
Criticising the new sur- render policy, Bhat said that around 29,000 mili- tants who surrendered were tortured by the armed forces and continu- ally subjected to harass- ment on important occa- sions like 15th August and 26th January. He added that there are around 39,000 families which crossed over to the other side but the government has not framed any policy for their rehabilita- tion and return.
Revocation of AFSPA and withdrawal of forces from the state will restore peace in the entire state, he asserted.
Bhat further stated that the democratic rights of J&K public have been suppressed and the stone pelters who demonstrate against the bullets of security forces are being killed by them.
Emphasizing that only by working on ground issues can peace be restored in the state, Bhat demanded the immediate uncondi- tional release of all detained APHC leaders.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association with the representatives of Peoples' Movement Mohammad Saleem, rep- resentative of Awami Action Committee, Abdul Gani and Javid Ahmad Wani visited Kot Balwal, Heeranagar and Udhampur jails of Jammu province and expressed concern over the miserable condition of jail detainees. They also condemned the arrest and detention of senior Hurriyat leader Shabir Ahmad Shah and the state's failure to give him proper medical treat- ment.
While addressing the media persons here today, Bhat appreciated the dia- logue process scheduled to start from tomorrow initiated by the Indian and Pakistan govern- ments for resolving the Kashmir issue. The NC coalition government is only for the purpose of solving the internal issues of the public but for resolving the Kashmir dispute, the Hurriyat Conference is the only representative of the peo- ple of Jammu and Kashmir.
Criticising the new sur- render policy, Bhat said that around 29,000 mili- tants who surrendered were tortured by the armed forces and continu- ally subjected to harass- ment on important occa- sions like 15th August and 26th January. He added that there are around 39,000 families which crossed over to the other side but the government has not framed any policy for their rehabilita- tion and return.
Revocation of AFSPA and withdrawal of forces from the state will restore peace in the entire state, he asserted.
Bhat further stated that the democratic rights of J&K public have been suppressed and the stone pelters who demonstrate against the bullets of security forces are being killed by them.
Emphasizing that only by working on ground issues can peace be restored in the state, Bhat demanded the immediate uncondi- tional release of all detained APHC leaders.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association with the representatives of Peoples' Movement Mohammad Saleem, rep- resentative of Awami Action Committee, Abdul Gani and Javid Ahmad Wani visited Kot Balwal, Heeranagar and Udhampur jails of Jammu province and expressed concern over the miserable condition of jail detainees. They also condemned the arrest and detention of senior Hurriyat leader Shabir Ahmad Shah and the state's failure to give him proper medical treat- ment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)