Better late than never. The Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram is coming afresh on Kashmir saying that Jammu & Kashmir had acceded to India in `unique circumstances' which needed a `unique solution'. He has emphasized the need of delivering on some of the promises made from time to time with Kashmiris so as to win their hearts and minds. In literal terms the unique accession of Kashmir with India can also be interpreted to mean unusual annexation; which in other words means delicate relationship requiring sensible solution. Unfortunately, there are still some elements and groups in India particularly from Sangh Pariwar, who are adamant on their `integral part' policy. Their monstrous designs have all along been proving harmful for the people here and there.

In fact the people of Kashmir have no issues to join with the Indian people. However, it is, undoubtedly, a deep-rooted discontent with the working system in India which has failed to learn a lesson from the past experiences for bringing out confidence building measures in Kashmir. Meanwhile, it is pertinent to say that everyone should recognize the fact that “Kashmir” in itself is embodiment of two more regions viz Jammu and Ladakh. Hence, virtually the word “Kashmir” has from time immemorial been the name given to it and supported by  history behind its origin. This historicity is having corroborative evidence in the shape of scores of books and periodicals authored by various eminent historians particularly “Vale of Kashmir” written by Lawrence. The voices over Kashmir problem continued to be heard for a pretty long time in and around the World organizations and forums including U.N.O. The people of Kashmir have time and again been saying that their struggle is for dignity  and the restoration of fundamental rights for shaping their future. No leader or group in Kashmir is looking forward to a victory of one community over another or to a dictated peace, but to a victory of real democracy for all the sections of people, who can live and let others, live with honor, prestige and dignity. The people of Kashmir are famous for their unique culture and impressive social behavior throughout the world. All say and agree that Kashmiris have won laurels for their extraordinary humanism, hospitality and sociability during their day to day dealings with Tourists, Yatris and other outsiders who visited Kashmir in the past or continue to visit hereafter. The people of Kashmir love their identity and, therefore, they neither would like to lose it, nor tolerate any type of humiliation and intimidation. It is being widely felt in Kashmir that people particularly the youth of Kashmir Valley are being labeled either terrorists or stone pelters and so on and so forth. Sometimes it happens so, that the cops while dealing with law and order situations resort to sheer force against the protesters. This complicates the situation to the point of no return. Moreover humiliation can't be a solution to treat a problem like this.

In view of the ongoing protest demonstrations in Kashmir it is obligatory for the governing bodies in Kashmir to identify criminals behind fake encounters and to punish them. The outburst and retaliation were, therefore, natural among the youth who found no other way but to come on streets in large crowds. If they are really serious in restoring peace and dignity to the people they will have to act on the  ground. Mere promises won't do.

(G.H. Talib is a retired KAS Officer)

Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST