The societal divisions we see today were never before like this in India. What we see today is a grim reminder of our understanding of each other, be it along religious, caste, linguistic lines or regional divide. And the commendable contributions of our netas are helping it to flourish at an exponential pace.
See, for example, Shri Amarnath Shrine Land transfer imbroglio. Unfortunate twist and turns, helped by our political fraternity has turned it into a religious confrontations and once again given opportunists an agenda to cry foul, be it Hurriyats and Kashmiri politicos or Sangh Parivar affiliates and right wing nationalists. The already vitiated and fragile atmosphere of J&K has been marred by high decibel protests along religious and regional lines. The stubborn attitude of both the faction is making it increasingly difficult to reach a consensus on the issue.
The Govt of J&K and India should have acted in a responsible way keeping in mind the sensitivity of issue. At first, the land transfer should not have taken place, due fragile atmosphere in the state, the Article 370 and when yatra was going fine with all the possible help from locals.
Article 370 provides the state of J&K some special provisions notwithstanding India's constitution. It gives the state of J&K the provision of drafting their own laws except in the matter of Defence, External affairs and Telecom. Beside it, an important point in article 370 is that that no one from outside Kashmir can buy property in the said state.
Along with the Govt of J&K, the Central govt too did the same blunder by consenting the land transfer at first place and then doubled the effect of this mistake by revoking the land allotment. Now the situation is that even status quo will put a sense of defeat among the people supporting land transfer and transferring the land again to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board will give a boost to the call of Azadi by now re-vigorated separatists.
The point which both the factions are not realizing that they both stand defeated in their jingoistic cause. But the best solution at the moment for both the unrelenting faction is status quo at the Shrine site. The transfer of land will do no good to the pilgrims, if there is no active support from locals now they enjoy, as valley has been deeply sensitised by the call of Azadi. Beside it, that would be a good fodder for militants to garner the support among locals which is on decline. Similarly, Azadi to Kashmiris is no solution to their problems either. It is virtually easier but the path after that will be extremely torrid as well as baffling. There is strong possibilities that an independent Kashmir can be hijacked by Pakistan or China or the militant organisations.
The way people are marching for Azadi will in the same vociferous way march for Pakistan occupied Kashmir to be integrated with them, which is under Pakistan control, and it is very improbable that Pakistan will relent for the cause of fully independent Kashmir.
The people Kashmir, before supporting any call for Azadi, should think well about the after-effects of independence of a state which has, among many problems, so uneven terrain that a project of Railway to connect the valley with the rest of India has cost the Indian exchequer a whopping $2.5 billion. The Indian govt grants approx Rs. 9750 per capita per annum for J&K, which is among the highest grant paid to Indian states (Bihar gets approximately Rs. 975 per capita per annum). Their main economy will be based on tourism, which is in ruins of insurgency and militancy, will need a hefty amount to re-vitalise. If their demand of Azadi is paid heed, will they be able to sustain in such an extreme condition?
Even, if they go with Pakistan, it is very unlikely that they get such a huge allocation. Beside it, Pakistan itself is in the dire straits, which may take some time to heal, to accommodate their new guests. The best option for them is to remain with India and demand the Indian Govt more investments in the state in infrastructure and education sector.
Demand like an Indian demands. Feel like an Indian feels.
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