OPINION: People of J&K want peace and progress

From  Category »  Editorial Posted On Wednesday, December 08, 2010

A Congress Minister of J & K has created quite a storm by suggesting the bifurcation of J & K with ‘Azadi’ for the Kashmir valley. Minister for Health and Horticulture Sham Lal Sharma made this observation in a rally at Bani in Kathua district of the state. BJP, as expected, has asked for his head. Congress spokesman has tried to do a damage control act. Jammu has always felt suffocated by Srinagar ’s governmental control, particularly the way its policies get distorted by the agitation and violence in that part of the state. While it is clear that J & K is integral part of India , we have to find a way to satisfy their aspirations to the extent it is possible. It is high time that the state, or that part of state that is not controlled by the separatist elements, to be fully integrated with the rest of the country.  While ‘azadi’ for Kashmir valley is out of question, could we examine the proposal to give a special status only to the Kashmir valley and make Jammu a full-fledged Indian state and Laddakh a union territory. As regards Kashmir valley only External affairs, Defence (including BSF, ITBP etc for the security of international border), currency and certain central statutory organisations like Election Commission, Supreme Court, Reserve Bank etc need to have control from the Centre. The Governor, whatever name is given to him, has to be formally appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Assembly of this autonomous ‘suba’. It is high time the political parties, instead of making statements based purely on their national agenda make an effort to find maximum acceptance for such a solution in the right earnest. Common people of Kashmir are fed up with the uncertainty and want to benefit from the all round growth of the country. The interlocutors can make their own recommendations in the light of such suggestions. Anand Mehta http://www.centralchronicle.com/viewnews.asp?articleID=53421