"No future" for muscular policy in Kashmir; "needed": Peace, reconciliation

By Syed Basharat Hussain*
After alleging the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) to be responsible for worsening security situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) left the ruling coalition. BJP, which had allied with PDP in 2015 to rule, had 25 lawmakers in the J&K assembly, while the PDP had 28 -- which was more than the majority mark of 45.
Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav told reporters in New Delhi recently that the alliance had became "untenable." Hence, Mehbooba Mufti's tenure as chief minister came to an abrupt end with a call from ex-Governor NN Vohra, who informed her that the BJP had pulled out of its alliance with PDP. Mufti listened to the news in silence, and after a pause said there was no need for talks with BJP and submitted her resignation.
Soon thereafter, Ram Madhav made his announcement in Delhi, ending the uneasy, often fractious alliance between BJP and PDP, setting the stage for another round of Governor's rule for the valley. PDP till thrn was perceived as the advocate of reconciliation. Direct rule by the Central government gave BJP a free hand to control the state ahead of a general election that may probably be held in May next year.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti said, "I have resigned from chief ministership, shook hands with BJP for the sake of serving the people. It took us several months to form a mutual agenda with BJP."
She also maintained that the Kashmir issue could only be resolved through talks. She stressed the need for talks with Pakistan and the Kashmiri people for the resolution of the decades-long conflict. She said the BJP had betrayed the agenda of the alliance by pulling out of it. "PDP's agenda for the state was the one for boosting reconciliation through the alliance, BJP betrayed the same," she stated.
According to Mufti, muscular policy in a state like J&K, or a policy backed by force, cannot succeed. "Peace and reconciliation is the only way forward," she noted, even as the state cwme under the Governor's rule for the seventh time over the last four decades, and fourth time after the state was placed under Central rule during NN Vohra's tenure as Governor. Vohra, a former civil servant, was Governor of J&K from June 25, 2008 to August 23, 2018.
This BJP government move has been widely criticized. Several leaders expressed serious concern over the imposition of Governor's rule. The people of the state felt that this would further complicate matters. The view is strong, a lasting and durable solution can only be delivered by taking into account the political will of Kashmiris in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions or a UN mandated dialogue between Pakistan, India and the Kashmiris.
Some even acknowledged, Kashmir has been used as "an experimental table" for too long, last many decades and the Kashmir crisis just suggests "comprehensive collapse" of India's political leadership.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Report on Kashmir is first ever report of UN on gross violations of human rights, highlighted and debated in Indian as well as international media. India rejected the report in which the Indian government was held responsible for using excessive force to kill and wound civilians in Kashmir since 2016.

Syed Basharat Hussain

The UN has called for international inquiry into accusations of human rights violations. The unresolved status of Kashmir issue is a sombre reminder to the world that Kashmiri people are deprived of their fundamental rights at the hands of the so-called biggest democracy of the world.
India must understand that, despite militarily presence, it failed to control Kashmir. A muscle-power approach will make things even worse. What is needed is a proper dialogue to bring peace in Kashmir.
---
*Political analyst. Contact: syed.basharat11@gmail.com

Comments

Bhavik Raja said…

I totally agree that Peace and Reconciliation are the need of the hour. I believe that the first ever step need to be taken by the Indian government is to Repeal AFSPA and withdraw army from civil places. But I am worried that interference of UN may open up floodgates for US.

December 01, 2018

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा* जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए।

Beyond his riding skill, Karl Umrigar was admired for his radiance, sportsmanship, and affability

By Harsh Thakor* Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das* India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on. A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So w...

Aurangzeb’s last will recorded by his Maulvi: Allah shouldn't make anyone emperor

By Mohan Guruswamy Aurangzeb’s grave is a simple slab open to the sky lying along the roadside at Khuldabad near Aurangabad. I once stopped by to marvel at the tomb of an Emperor of India whose empire was as large as Ashoka the Great's. It was only post 1857 when Victoria's domain exceeded this. The epitaph reads: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast." (The rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave) The modest tomb of Aurangzeb is perhaps the least recognised legacies of the Mughal Emperor who ruled the land for fifty eventful years. He was not a builder having expended his long tenure in war and conquest. Towards the end of his reign and life, he realised the futility of it all. He wrote: "Allah should not make anyone an emperor. The most unfortunate person is he who becomes one." Aurangzeb’s last will was re...

PUCL files complaint with SC against Gujarat police, municipal authorities for 'unlawful' demolitions, custodial 'violence'

By A Representative The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Justice of India, urging the Supreme Court to initiate suo-moto contempt proceedings against the police and municipal authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The complaint alleges that these officials have engaged in unlawful demolitions and custodial violence, in direct violation of a Supreme Court order issued in November 2024.

Incarcerated for 2,424 days, Sudhir Dhawale combines Ambedkarism with Marxism

By Harsh Thakor One of those who faced incarceration both under Congress and BJP rule, Sudhir Dhawale was arrested on June 6, 2018, one of the first six among the 16 people held in what became known as the Elgar Parishad case. After spending 2,424 days in incarceration, he became the ninth to be released from jail—alongside Rona Wilson, who walked free with him on January 24. The Bombay High Court granted them bail, citing the prolonged imprisonment without trial as a key factor. I will always remember the moments we spent together in Mumbai between 1998 and 2006, during public meetings and protests across a wide range of issues. Sudhir was unwavering in his commitment to Maoism, upholding the torch of B.R. Ambedkar, and resisting Brahmanical fascism. He sought to bridge the philosophies of Marxism and Ambedkarism. With boundless energy, he waved the banner of liberation, becoming the backbone of the revolutionary democratic centre in Mumbai and Maharashtra. He dedicated himself ...

Censor Board's bullying delays 'Phule': A blow to India's democratic spirit

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* A film based on the life and legacy of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule was expected to release today. Instead, its release has been pushed to the last week of April. The reason? Protests by self-proclaimed guardians of caste pride—certain Brahmin groups—and forced edits demanded by a thoroughly discredited Censor Board.

State Human Rights Commission directs authorities to uphold environmental rights in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River Project

By A Representative The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment. The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents. The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodpla...

CPM’s evaluation of BJP reflects its political character and its reluctance to take on battle against neo-fascism

By Harsh Thakor* A controversial debate has emerged in the revolutionary camp regarding the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s categorization of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Many Communists criticize the CPM’s reluctance to label the BJP as a fascist party and India as a fascist state. Various factors must be considered to arrive at an accurate assessment. Understanding the original meaning and historical development of fascism is essential, as well as analyzing how it manifests in the present global and national context.

Implications of deaths of Maoist leaders G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya in Chhattisgarh

By Harsh Thakor* In the wake of recent security operations in southern Chhattisgarh, two senior Maoist leaders, G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya, were killed. These operations, which took place amidst a historically significant Maoist presence, resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals on March 20th and 16 more three days prior.

Search This Blog