Autonomy demand

Sir, - This refers to the report ``I am not for confrontation: Farooq'' (The Hindu, July 3).

The wide and serious implications of a national response to the Kashmiri demand for autonomy should not be overlooked. J&K is living on grants and subsidies rather like a patient who survives on periodical blood transfusion. During the year 1998-99, the total expenditure of the State was Rs. 5,904 crores of which the State Government raised only Rs. 632 crores and the rest was borne by the Centre. What has been spent by the Centre on law and order for the defence of the borders is a huge amount which is not publicised.

The Ladakhis have been asking for a Union Territory status. The people of Jammu would much rather be a separate State like any other in the Indian Union. The effect of autonomy to J&K on other States is a known factor. Its effect in Pakistan would be important to bear in mind. The army there prefers a situation with a warlike potential in order to justify itself. Autonomy would be publicised as a feather in Gen. Musharraf's cap. Nearly all the Punjabi speaking Pakistanis want the lamp of the Kashmir issue burning in order to divert attention and avert secession by Sind, NWFP or Baluchistan, most of whose people have no interest in Kashmir. They comprise about 40 per cent of the population. Clearly we should reduce, rather than increase, the hope of a settlement in Kashmir advantageous to Islamabad.

Prafull Goradia,

New Delhi

Sir, - The J&K Assembly has passed the resolution demanding autonomy to pre-1953 level. Opinions have been expressed, both supporting and opposing the demand. However, one important point that has not been paid adequate attention to is why Dr. Abdullah, who claims that Mr. Narasimha Rao had promised greater autonomy, did precious little about the issue all these years, after he became Chief Minister in 1996. Reasons are not far to seek. It is only a measure for survival, seeing that the government was going to hold talks with the APHC.

Two articles have appeared in The Hindu, supporting the autonomy demand. The observations in the articles ``Travails of the Valley'' by Mr. Rajindar Sachar (June 29) and ``Autonomy not secession'' by Mr. Rajeev Dhavan (June 30) cannot be taken without a pinch of salt.

Mr. Sachar says that none will accept anything less than pre-1953 status. This is obviously said of the people of the Kashmir valley, as Ladakh and Jammu have expressed their opposition to the autonomy demand. It will be unfair to throw the unwilling people of Jammu and Ladakh to the subjugation by the rule of Kashmir valley. Trifurcation will be the practical solution. Mr. Sachar's suggestion that the interests of the minorities in the State could be protected through the constitutional powers of the Central Government is not practicable.

Mr. Rajeev Dhavan explains how it is not possible to go back and undo all the laws and the many constitutional arrangements made during all these 50 years. Then, why can't it be straightaway dismissed as impracticable? What is the purpose of welcoming it? The demand will definitely open the floodgates for similar demands.

Mr. Dhavan's observations that J&K could have gone to Pakistan or opted to remain independent is not tenable, as the same options were available to all the other princely states that merged with India.

N. R. Sathyamurty,

Cuddalore (TN)

Sir, - It is necessary not to view the demand for autonomy as treachery. Of course, the resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly, in its present form, certainly asks for the moon. However, it can be a starting point for a meaningful dialogue.

To argue that J&K is like any other State amounts to refusing to read the writing on the wall. Kashmir has not only been an issue in Indian politics, but also a thorn in Indian psyche for more than half a century. Let us talk, with a view to ending separatism and terrorism in the most beautiful region of our motherland.

I. S. Kanthimathinathan,

Tirunelveli (TN)

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