The events in J&K over the past month and more are hurtling towards a situation wherein it looks like that the long pending problem may resolve itself, even though one cannot predict a time frame. The solution is creating itself. I foresee another partition wherein the Kashmir area is gobbled up by Pakistan and the Jammu area left behind for India. Pakistan after that can claim that the issue is resolved and the people have spoken. Sounds pessimistic but that is how it seems to be developing.
The genesis of this situation is in events that happened more than a decade ago when the entire Pandit population was thrown out of the state to become refugees in their own country and a ethinic cleanising of the area happened. Not a single Kashmiri protested or held dharnas, no politicians screamed blue murder and if at all they did, it was to protest against those who criticised the ethnic cleansing. After all it was and is a matter of the vote bank politics that all parties follow.
If in the event Kashmir is lost, history will judge that the Congress party was largely to blame since the party which was in the forefront of the freedom struggle has been nose diving in terms of its ethics, principles and policies. At least the other parties are clear about their agenda - we will divide the people on religion, caste, we want power for the sake of power, we will support terrorists and their ilk as long as we get our votes, we will support regional and language divisions etc etc. The Congress seems to want to be everything to everybody and in the process pleasing none least of all itself. The biggets hurdle for the progress of the Congress is its dynastic rule and belief in that one family alone is fit to rule and there are no other leaders in this country. This belief practised strongly over the years has resulted in either a total lack of political leaders or some leaders who would rather do some work and not lead.
The Amarnath land row is showing the effect of propaganda carried out over the years and the alienation that has been allowed to happen. In order to please the people there (for votes all over the country) we have treated them like spoilt brats and today they have lost all reason and want to attain even greater freedom by losing the freedom they have. If all the people involved in this wanted to resolve the issue there is a simple way. The solution may sound rather simplistic and people may say that I dont understand the big picture, but often complex problems have simple solutions provided there is honesty of purpose.
Since the grouse seems to be that land was transferred to the amarnath yatra trust, let us transfer the land to a muslim body similiar to the waqf's that exist in states. This body must create facilities for the amarnath yatra visitors and manage the same including security and all amenities. The agreement must be that for the next 100 years this land must not be used for any other purpose and not sold to anyone else. Ergo, the problem is solved. The amarnath yatris want facilities, so they get it, the muslims want land ownership, they get it. But then none wants to solve the problem because then politicians will have nothing to do.
Maybe I am dreaming, but Kashmir is too lovely a place, the people are so beautiful and wonderful and they certainly dont deserve what is happening to them.
Here is wishing the people of the state peace, prosperity and better days ahead and most importantly may India never again be partitioned again.
Ciao
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