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New Delhi: While recognizing the abrogation of Article 370 as a cardinal political decision taken by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, Kashmiri scholars, writers, and activists suggested a deeper engagement between the center and the stakeholders in the region to promote multifaceted development of the valley.
Speaking at a webinar organized on the anniversary of the abrogation by the Tawi Forum, panelists underscored the role of civil society, a new leadership face, and empowerment of Kashmiri women – in attempts to bring democratic governance in the land.
Senior journalist Pradeep Dutta said that post abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, the situation in the region has undergone a significant change. “The ‘Pakistani constituency’ is slowly being dismantled with a crackdown on separatists like the Hurriyat. With Geelani (Syed Ali Shah) finding it hard to find relevance with China-Pakistan Uyghur dilemma and also their sympathisers including members in the government targeting the very foundation of Islamic jihad in the valley,” Dutta claimed, while adding that the state education was earlier instrumentalized for spreading anti-India agenda, is now being re-oriented towards national consciousness and social good.
He commended the center’s decision to give the armed forces a free hand to handle and neutralize various terrorist modules. With the freedom to expand infrastructure outside designated cantonment areas, Dutta felt that issues like the Tosamaidan will now find it hard to find a place in the future of Jammu-Kashmir politics.
“However, we need people-centric politics and policies which will provide a direction for people towards prosperity and peace. Political dialogue needs to begin in Jammu-Kashmir as early as possible which will instilled faith and hope in its people towards a better future with India, one which is of inclusion and peaceful coexistence,” Dutta said.
Echoing with the points raised by Dutta, Srinagar-based author, and writer Bashir Assad outlined two immediate concerns in the valley post the abrogation – security establishment, and political process. In his brief talk, Assad spoke on the significance of the inflow of investment and development in the region for improving education, employment, and overall living conditions.
“The political narrative in Jammu-Kashmir has been captured by the elitist sections while politics has long neglected and ignored the aspirations of the silent majority. Therefore, there is a dire need for the development and active participation of the civil society in the region to strengthen democracy and citizen participation,” Assad affirmed.
Founder-Director of the Centre for Peace and Dialogue, Nadir Ali said that while the government has already launched development programs in Jammu-Kashmir at different levels, there is a critical need to engage with the youth and include them in the mainstream.
“They (youth) must be provided good quality education and jobs. Efforts must be taken to create a participatory process for them to take part in the policymaking process to address the issues of political and leadership vacuum in the state,” Ali said. He referred to the various policy decisions taken by Centre ensuring the socio-economic upliftment of backward classes and castes such as Valmiki, Bakerwals, Gurjars, and others in the valley.
Student Leader from the Central University of Jammu, Muskan Anand provided a real-time report on the status of women in Jammu-Kashmir.
“Women of the valley have benefitted out of the decision by gaining access to various central government schemes and their benefits which were denied earlier. Women of Kashmir have gained rights which are guaranteed by the Constitution of India to every woman in India,” Anand voiced while stating that a great opportunity has chanced upon the region to enhance the role and participation of women not only in the mainstream of Jammu-Kashmir but of the country in every sector.
