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| After 70 years of independence, the Dogras of Jammu are facing an identity crisis | | | Vikarm Aditya | 3/1/2018 10:48:26 PM |
| The state of Jammu and Kashmir was established by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846 and lasted for 101 years till his descendant and my grandfather, Maharaja Hari Singh, signed the Instrument of Accession with India on October 26, 1947. He chose to join the republic of India, albeit in difficult circumstances. Only he could have made that decision and he made the right one.
One needs to recognise the immense contributions made by the Dogras during that period and which continues till today. Over the years, both the political dispensation and the narrative have become entirely focused on the Kashmir valley. Jammu and Ladakh that are larger regions have been marginalised to a point of no return. And yes, we are nationalists and seek further integration with India. It is time that we recognised that the Kashmir valley and Kashmiris do not represent the whole state. The rest of the state that includes Jammu and Ladakh has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. I cannot be more specific when I say that these people do not share the radical and separatist mindset of most 'Kashmiris.' We are nationalists and inclusive in our outlook, yet, we have been victims of gross discrimination and injustice since 1947. In the field of employment particularly, we have been overlooked.
It is no wonder that after 70 years of independence, the Dogras of Jammu who include Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs are facing an identity crisis. Suppressed and discriminated by successive Kashmir-centric dispensations backed by the central government of India, regional aspirations have been totally overlooked. I will not even begin to venture into the religious debate because I consider this a regional one. The former is easier but divisive, while the latter is difficult but inclusive.
(Courtesy@Haindustan times) |
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