As the row over Article 370 gets bigger, Kashmiris say that they do not need the special status. What they want is peace and stability. Rediff.com’s Vicky Nanjappa listens in
The Narendra Modi-led government triggered its first controversy after Minister of State Jitendra Singh hinted at revocation of Article 370, which provides special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The remarks left both J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and opposition Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti fuming.
Even as the debate continues in the political circles, what is the aam Kashmiri thinking?
FAQ: Why is Article 370 so contentious?
Backroom talks between successive state and central government has diluted the provisions of Article 370 and today as it stands, it makes no difference to the people of Kashmir, say the locals.
Delhi University Professor S A R Geelani, who hails from Kashmir, has been very vocal about the issue. “There is a big misconception about Article 370. While many say that there cannot be industrial development because land can’t be purchased by outsiders, I would like to clarify that this is not the case. There is a rule in place that the government can lease out land to industries for 99 years and provide insurance to the industries for the first ten years.”
“Industrial growth is not being hampered because of Article 370, but because of tension in the Valley. Think about it now. Is Article 370 the solution or peace in the Valley the answer?”
When Article 370 came into existence the people of Kashmir were promised that this was temporary and we would be given a chance to decide our future, Geelani points out.
According to Kashmir resident Mohammad Afzal, the problems in the Valley can be solved only when the interest of the locals is taking into consideration. “Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that he wants peace and prosperity. How can there be peace amid these burning issues?”
“Kashmir does not need Article 370. We need prosperity, peace and stability and a chance to decide our future,’’ he adds.
Geelani feels that the debate today is a futile one. “The Government of India has thrown open a question and Omar Abdullah is making all the noises to earn brownie points. This is all politics and the fact is he has never been clear on the matter. He will do anything to ensure that he does not lose his seat and he realises that his position is secure only when he makes noises whether it matters or not,” the professor said.
The people of Kashmir feel that they have been through a lot. “Now is not the time to debate these issues, but give people a chance to build a future. The people of Kashmir cannot be under status quo all the time. There has to be a decision in the interest of the people. Kashmir is a dispute recognised on the international level,” said Geelani
“There is a good chunk of Kashmir which is under Pakistan. In such a scenario, Article 370 is a very localised issue. The real issue to be dealt with is on the international level and only once that is sorted will there be peace and prosperity in the Valley,” he adds.
According to him, blindly revoking Article 370 will lead to tensions, as politicians will rake up sentiments. “Instead, the Indian and Pakistan government along with the state government should sit down and effectively resolve the dispute. This is what will provide the real solution.”
Image: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
