Prof. Fida M. Hassnain (6 Oct) deserves credit for inviting debate on the Kashmir Plan of RSS ideologue.
The Congress leadership at the centre has been wholly responsible for all the troubles and woes of Kashmir. The disgraceful treatment meted out to the Prime Minister of J&K just a year after the Delhi Agreement of 1952 was the direct consequence of the agitation launched by the Hindu communalist forces in Jammu led by the Jan Sangh, RSS etc.
Much ado about autonomy by N.C is one story. The other, but more dreadful, is that NC continues to remain part and parcel of the coercive structure of the Indian state. In fact, NC’s role since 1976 has been a contradiction in terms.
If the present Congress leadership at the centre is certainly serious about strengthening the ties of J&K on firm constitutional foundations, it should, in all seriousness, restore what was subverted by it under the pressure of the Hindu communalist forces in 1953. The Delhi Agreement of 1952 can still form the basis of a meaningful and positive dialogue with the so-called “separatists” than NC. By all accounts, the latter has lost its credibility in Kashmir because of its hunger for remaining in power only.
In my opinion, then, there are only two options for solving the Kashmir problem: either Delhi should grant autonomy to J&K in the pristine spirit and form of the Indian constitution or be prepared ultimately for granting freedom to Kashmir.
RSS’s plan of the division of J&K on religious lines is fraught with more dangerous consequences than granting azadi to the Kashmiris who have been clamouring for their suppressed political rights.

Professor Muhammad Ishaq Khan
Srinagar

Lastupdate on : Thu, 7 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
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