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| WHAT IS THE BEST : REGIONAL COUNCILS OR SMALLER STATES | | | By Col J P Singh, Retd | 10/19/2011 11:44:13 PM |
| The long standing demand of a separate statehood for Jammu and delimitation of constituencies has lost its luster but it certainly has created a legacy which is changing the tone and tenor of debate. A debate was initiated by the politicians and intelligentia of Jammu with Interlocutors to apprise them of the disparities and aspirations of their regions. The argument from Jammu underlines the growing clamour for equality and freedom of participation in the affairs of Jammu region. It is well known fact that smaller administrative units and smaller states have progressed a lot socially, economically and politically. Both politically and administratively, it is easier to manage smaller states / U Ts and Development / Hill Councils. Hence the demand for separate statehood for Jammu and UT for Ladakh gained momentum in the past decades. The coalition era of J&K politics gave some opportunities to Jammu and Ladakh in the development of their regions. Hence the demand of statehood lost its sheen. Luckily the Interlocutors received the view point with an open mind and have analysed it fairly to discover the grave injustice having been done with Jammu and Ladakh as well as the minorities. Taking cognizance of discrimination, they have recommended regional councils for three regions with their political, economic and financial autonomy to put the issue of separation in the back seat. They have also recommended delimitation. While a different debate may have been moved in the valley whether J&K can stay with India or can it stay united, as it is, with self rule or pre 1953 position. There is resounding NO in the Interlocutors report on these issues. Thanks to our vibrant democracy which has given full freedom to its citizens to air their views. But it certainly does not give Prashant Bhushan type freedom to cede from the federation. Therefore the Interlocutors have found an answer to both the issues ie regional autonomy to remove discrimination and additional grants for lesser developed regions / areas to remove disparities brushing aside the frivolous demand of self rule or autonomy. The big question meanwhile is whether their recommendations find favours with the prevailing mood of the rulers of the valley and whether Delhi is really serious about aspirations of Jammu and Ladakh. Will the regional perceptions of Jammu and Ladakh be attended or ignored as before? Many have started suspecting it arguing that between Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, there is too heavy a baggage of the past leaving very little to convergences. Will the trust deficit between Delhi and Kashmir allow Delhi to implement the recommendations. Let us cherish the moment while it lasts lost in the intricacies of standoff.
It will be a folly to ignore realities. The reality is that Jammu and Ladakh need Regional Councils to start with if the regions are to prosper and be separate states / UT if the state is to prosper. The facts take their revenge if they are not faced squarely. Events of summers of 2008 and 2010 besides Dogra Certificate issue are relevant in the above context. Govts keep waiting for the things to happen as is seen in case of J&K and Telangana rather than preventing them from ugly turns. Govts are bound to pro actively work towards resolving issues rather than letting matters worsen and situations slip out of hands. For the people of Telangana separate state is the reality and for J&K ( Jammu & Ladakh ) what is important today after the Interlocutors report and at stake is the future of Jammuites and Ladakhis and not the survival of Congress or the revival of BJP, and if that be so, let MLAs and MPs from these regions introduce necessary bills in respective legislatures for delimitation of constituencies and get whatever the Interlocutors have recommended.
While the valley is in reverse gear after the fallout of latest custodial death and political corruption; both associated with the ruling family of the state; Jammu and Ladakh are on the move shoulder to shoulder with rest of India. People wish to be where the action is and when valley is otherwise also gloomy, the action is in favour of Jammu and Ladakh. While India is exploding in terms of opening up economic and human potential, it is J&K and Andhra which are in wilderness. It is not that other states are working harder than before, it is just that they are responding to the needs of their own societies while the people of Andhra and J&K continue to fight for redressal of grievances. Let us look up to our legislators to get our dues.
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