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| UPA needs to learn right lessons | | |
By Sushil Vakil
It is a matter of concern that UPA leaders are conveniently encouraging some regional parties to raise "sensitive" issues which lead to unrest rather than soothing the surcharged tempers. This is happening at a time when people are reeling under heavy burden of rising prices, shortage of essential commodities and economic recession. The UPA has blundered on two issues in a short span of time. Firstly, it assured statehood to Telangana and secondly, it asked for a report on greater autonomy to the Jammu and Kashmir state. Both the misadventures show that UPA leaders need to learn right lessons and at a right time.
The 'yes and no' to Telangana has so far claimed many lives and resulted in the destruction of both government and private property worth crores. Likewise, the autonomy report presented by a former Supreme Court Judge to government has created a furore in J and K political circles. The city of Jammu observed a one day bandh against the Working Group's recommendations. The blame for the entire mess goes to none other than the Congress leaders who are taking decisions in haste while keeping in view their own interests only.
Undoubtedly, the Congress has messed up both the Telangana as well as the autonomy issue. In Andhra Pradesh it has taken decision without taking its own party MLAs and MPs into confidence. Similiarly, in J and K it has formed a Working Group without taking into confidence the parties representing the interests of people of Jammu, Ladakh and ethenic minorities like Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs and Christians. As a matter of fact, the Working Group to study the feasibility of extending greater autonomy was formed by the PM on the recommendation of National Conference and without consulting the people of all the regions of the state.
Accordingly, Justice Saghir, who headed the Working Group has recommended that New Delhi should consider National Conference’s autonomy proposal. He presented a copy of the report first to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has been taking keen interest in its early implementation. The presentation of report to CM instead of Prime Minister has raised many eyebrows. The fact remains that the working group was formed by the Prime Minister and not by the state Chief Minister. This clearly indicates that the report is influenced by the National Conference as the "autonomy" is its own baby. Later on Omar submitted the report of the Working Group to Prime Minister and also apprised him of its salient features.
It is strange that after the virtual two year abandonment of the Working Group this report was presented this time around. Moreover, the demand comes nine years after the state legislature passed it with a two-third majority. It is alleged that the Chief Architect of this report has bypassed other members of the group. It clearly shows the lopsided bias of the panel and the league between the UPA and NC-coalition partners in the state government.
The Prime Minister’s Working Group has recommended that the Centre could consider a National Conference proposal on autonomy for J&K to the pre-1953 position.That means withdrawal of all Central laws implemented in Jammu and Kashmir after 1953. Significantly the naming of Governor as Sader-i-Riyasat and Chief Minister as Prime Minister of the state. The withdrawal of such laws will close the doors for Centre to interfere with the functioning of the state. People are at a loss to understand as to on what grounds has the panel made the recommendation to grant autonomy to the state. The panel has not also taken note demands of people from Ladakh and Jammu region before making it’s report. It indicates that the panel has only rubber stamped the resolution of National Conference which was passed in the J&K assembly on 26 Jun 2000 and which was subsequently rejected by then BJP govt at the centre.
Calling the NC bluff BJP Chief has rightly said "Omar Abdullah seems to have literally dictated Justice Ahmad what to write. Well, after the flak he faced in the Shopian rape and murder case he sure is learning tricks of the trade pretty fast, from his father I might add. But he’s got to be careful here. If he really wants to do well for Kashmir he has to rise above petty politics and the proposal to grant autonomy to J&K is just that, dirty politics, to be used by Omar Abdullah to influence the public opinion within the state."
There is no denying the fact that Kashmir already enjoys many privileges that rest of India does not. The center is also pouring in money to keep the state and its people “happy”. Giving autonomy clearly sends the wrong message. Enough is enough. It is time to start weaning the baby. Instead of pitting people against people the UPA leaders should concentrate on grim issues like price rise, communal harmony and economic development of the country.
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