RAJ DALUJA
JAMMU: The last bid to restore peace and normalcy in trouble-torn Kashmir Valley has been grounded with All-Party Delegation, led by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, returning back to the national capital empty handed after a two-day insult-packed visit.
What next?
This is a question, answer to which is not perhaps known to the Centre even, as no policy has ever been devised to meet such eventualities. Like previous dispensations, experiments and adhocism have been core of New Delhi’s Kashmir Policy, which is why the situation has reached now such a passé that it seems really difficult to wriggle out of it. The government is worth name in the Valley. Separatists are ruling the roost. This became embarrassingly evident when Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti begged of the hardcore hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani, through one of her aides, to give her one last chance to govern the State to ‘fulfill aspirations of the people’ as first woman chief executive. Geelani, in his royal style vetoed the wish, despite PDP striking emotional chord by requesting him to treat Mehbooba Mufti as his daughter. This helplessness of the duly elected State Government has served as an incentive for separatists, particularly Syed Geelani, to resort to tough posturing. Denying audience to four non-BJP Members of Parliament at his Hyderpora residence is manifestation of this arrogance.
For the BJP, insult to Sharad Yadav, Sitaram Yachury, D Raja and Jay Prakash may be a political boon, as they were the flag-bearers for the past two months to have talks with separatists. But the insult is enormous-a national embarrassment.
The tough stand of the separatists has manifested in more clashes across the Valley. They are now finding themselves in a situation to direct the terms of reference for any future discourse. Obviously, this will mean more blood-shed and more destruction. The constitutional machinery has already suffered a major breakdown. The security forces are not in a position to restore peace as their hands stand tied even to act in self-defence, least to speak of maintaining law and order, as the security apparatus must.
The situation in Kashmir is quite alarming. The failed visit of All-Party Delegation has made it more precarious. The violence mongers are enjoying impunity that has encouraged them to attack police stations, loot arms, set buildings ablaze, cripple administration, coerce police personnel to desert their bases and intimidate official media organizations like Radio Kashmir, Doordarshan and Information Department. For the first time in 27-year strife and terror violence, broadcast got snapped on Radio Kashmir for several hours recently. The administration is seen begging street-urchins to allow them maintain utility services like power and water supply, which in any case is meant for the people. Encroachments are galore; lawlessness is order of the day. It is virtual anarchy in Kashmir.
This deteriorating situation is fit for the Governor to dismiss the PDP-BJP Government by exercising Article 92 of Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, which envisages…” in case of failure of constitutional machinery in the State.-(1) If at any time, the Governor is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, the Governor may by Proclamation- assume to himself all or any of the functions of the Government of the State and all or any of the powers vested in or exercisable by anybody or authority in the State…”
Invoking Article 92 of Jammu and Kashmir Constitution is imperative to safeguard the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation, which is facing huge challenge by the lackeys controlled from across the border. They have made their intentions very clear. A word has gone across the Valley that this is going to be now or never. The command has intentionally been surrendered to street urchins so as to have free for all type of situation or anarchy wherein space for any political activity becomes irrelevant.
Imposition of Governor’s Rule is also warranted, as the so-called Kashmir mainstream is playing a dangerous role by willingly falling in the trap laid by Pakistan through Hurriyat and stone-pelters. No effort is being made, either by the PDP, the NC and even the Congress to mobolise their cadres to meet the situation unfolded by the rogue neighbour. In fact, they are making the situation more complex by their irresponsible statements. Confusing signals are also emanating from the ruling coalition. While the Chief Minister is blowing hot and cold, the BJP is showing high degree of indifference towards burning Kashmir by keeping themselves engaged in launching petty works in Jammu, like drains, culverts and lanes.
They seem to have abandoned their senior coalition partners, more so the Chief Minister, to grapple with uncontrollable Kashmir situation. In such a scenario, there is no recourse for the Centre but to go for gubernatorial rule, in case they want Kashmir to be retrieved from the mess it is in.
