Article 370 - The Constitutional History of Jammu & Kashmir   
Author: A G Noorani   
Publisher: Oxford University Press   
Pages: 474  

The constitutional History of J&K is much more than simply setting forth the outlines of the state government. And when it is explained vis-à-vis Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, it  assumes more significance. That is what A. G. Noorani, the legal luminary, has done by writing an admirably clear and concise book, “Article 370-The constitutional history of J&K”. This book  brings to fore the  intricate relationship between law & politics.
The book is divided into twelve chapters. The author  states  the theme of the book  in the introduction itself which is of high quality and he succeeds  in effectively setting the scene. Each chapter following the introduction, is a compendium  of most valuable documents,  confidential & otherwise, resolutions, letters, presidential orders & white papers  arranged in such a way so as to Kashmir problem easily comprehensible.
The book essentially starts with the happenings of post 1947. Time moves on and events unfold, changing everything in the wake. The book progresses towards a disturbing crescendo, after which misunderstandings occur, that send Sheikh Abdullalh and Nehru apart, not to be reunited until a decade later. In fact Sheikh is forced to leave everything behind, and start a new life in politics. 
The book lucidly proves with documentary evidence as to how Abdullah, to whom Kashmiris had bequeathed their sole representation rights, was out-done and out-maneuvered by New-Delhi in all departments of the political game, played at initial but defining stages of constitutional evolution. Two instances will explain this. First is the unilateral change of draft article 370 (at that time numbered as article 306A) by Gopalswamy Aiyengar and Moulana Abul Kalam Azad before it was adopted by Indian Constituent Assembly .The duo first approached Abdullah for his consent to the required change in said Article  which was turned down by him. Thereafter they made the changes on their own and got the article approved by Constituent Assembly. But what was team Abdullah (the other members being Afzal Beg, Maulana Masoodi and Moti Lal Baigra) doing at that precise moment. Sitting in Parliament canteen, sipping tea or indulging in other recreational activities? They did not bother to be in the Assembly to safeguard their interests and further failed to move an amendment resolution once the treachery came to their notice. Incredible! 
Another important document published in the book is the Confidential letter dated 23rd  August 1974 written by Abdullah to G. Parthasarthy. Beg-Parthasarthy talks were in full swing at that point of time. Abdullah categorically refuses to assume power unless accorded 1953 position. On 25th February 1975, the talks culminated in Abdullah being sworn in as chief minster of the State and New-Delhi not agreeing to even change the nomenclature of his post. It is a matter for political scientists to unfold by a systematic research as to what happened between 23rd August 1974  to 25th February 1975,  which compelled Abdullah to a meek  surrender.
While this book is obviously of interest to people of J&K, it should interest others as well. There are several reasons. First, anyone interested in state constitutional history generally can use this book  to gain a basic understanding of the different stages of the  evolutionary  process and  the situation prevalent at each stage. Second, J&K has a fairly unique history; its leaders shared some of the   worst fears of the horrible incidents of partition. That is necessary for every Indian to know who along with people of J&K and Pakistan are responsible to find a durable solution to the festering wound. The former, particularly will come to know through this book that the foundation of Kashmir problem does not allow construction of a clean top floor unless drastic remedial measures are taken. This makes the book a must read  for everyone concerned with Kashmir problem.
The historical detail in this book is tremendous and so evocative that it  is extremely hard to put down once you have started it. The Book is of high quality and certainly a contribution in its own right. It needed to be written and it needs to be read.

(The author is a practicing chartered Accountant. Feed back at amzargar1@indiatimes.com)

Lastupdate on : Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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