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| Interlocutors cross limits | | | Sushil Vakil | 3/19/2011 10:27:52 PM |
| As expected, the interlocutors appointed by UPA 2 have recommended greater autonomy and restoration of pre-1953 status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The three interlocutors, Dileep Padgaonkar, Radha Kumar and MM Ansari, presented their report to the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday reportedly suggesting autonomy which the state enjoyed before 1953 when it had control over all its affairs barring defence, communications and external affairs. By throwing autonomy ball into centre's court the interlocutors have crossed their limits as they did not have the mandate to give such suggestions.
It is an irony that the three member committee presented its report to the government at a time when the valley was limping back to normalcy, with no major incident, massive demonstration or stone pelting reported from any part of the state. The selection of time and date clearly indicates that committee is guided by some vested interests who want to divert people's attention from scams to Kashmir issue.
The important question arises: Would restoration of pre 1953 position put an end to the turmoil in J&K in general and Kashmir Valley in particular? Would the interference from Pakistan end with this? Would the Greater Autonomy help the return of Kashmiri Hindu? No. The fact remains that while National Conference is keen on greater autonomy the other groups and parties opt for independence, merger to Pakistan and Nizam-i-Mustafa etc.
There is little doubt that considerable development has taken place in J&K's constitutional relationship with the rest of India. Not only had the state's separate constitution seen the light of day on November 17, 1956, but also several Indian parliamentary laws had become enforceable in J&K and many provisions of the Indian Constitution had become valid for the state in toto or with modifications. Those links had been effected by the President of India's 'Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order' of May 14, 1954 and its subsequent amendments from time to time -- all issued under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.
More importantly, the issue of greater autonomy has become more complex with the pitching in of National Conference. As a matter of fact the defenders of autonomy are doing nothing except alienating the people of other two regions. All this while the common man of J&K has remained a victim of poor economic growth and has been dependant upon assistance from the central government.
The National Conference had successfully got the autonomy resolution passed in the state legislature in 2000, which demanded that the state be given back its pre-1953 position. The Union Cabinet in the same year outrightly rejected the SAC report and suggested that the State Government come forward with the problems the State was facing in the conduct of its development and routine functions under the routine laws applicable to every other state of India.
It was again on 15 July 2002 that Dr. Farooq Abdullah opened the chapter by suggesting that government of India appoint a senior leader to discuss the SAC Resolution of 2000 with the State Government. Mr L. K. Advani, the then Home Minister announced on 16th July 2002 that former law minister Arun Jaitley will be the Center’s point man in discussions with the JK Government and political parties. Nothing concrete materialized. However, sporadic discussions have continued as Governments have changed in the state and at the centre.
Interestingly, the issue was again discussed by 5th Working Group on J&K headed by Saaghir Ahmed who submitted report to J&K Chief Minister on 23rd December 2009. Yet again nothing happened.
So far motivations and goals are not clear it is unlikely that greater autonomy would benefit the people of J&K as NC is talking about more powers as being demanded by some other states of India. By raising autonomy issue the National Conference merely wants to make inroads into the hearts of Kashmiris, turn their sympathies into votes rather than doing any good for the state.
It is another matter that 82% of Jammu & Kashmir state budget is financed by the Government of India as state has no resources, not even salaries to pay its employees. Imports are four times than the exports from the state. Given these facts it would be foolish of J&K to consider not integrating itself economically and politically with the rest of India. Moreover, when India says that Jammu and Kashmir is an integeral part of country as Maharaja Hari Singh signed an Instrument of Accession in 1947 there arises no question of dabating the autonomy issues.
Instead of reviving the pre-1953 position it will be better if Centre extends concessions in few areas that merits compromise. There is little doubt that he proposal merits serious attention and public debate. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh must set the ball rolling by reaching out to the all political parties before taking any final decision. Even if his decision annoys the United States.
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