Prof Nutan K Resutra
An unheard, unprecedented, hitherto unimaginable undercurrent has started surfacing on the horizon of the politics of erstwhile State and now called the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As of today, there were only fragmented some hither, some thither voices raised from Jammu only calling for a separate State of Jammu, disintegrating from the Kashmir Province. The latest impetus to it has been given by Sham Lal Sharma, BJP MLA from Jammu North, who has once again boldly raised the issue of Jammu State. But now, unexpectedly, similar voices have started emerging from the Valley of Kashmir too; calling for the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate States! And it is indeed surprising; rather pleasantly surprising to come across this new development.
It all started with the latest controversy erupting on the issue of setting up of the National Law University or NLU, earmarked for the Union Territory. While campaigning during the Assembly by-polls, the Chief Minister had promised the setting up of NLU in Badgam. Now he is being asked to fulfil the poll promise made at that time. But the Bar Council Jammu, as also various other organisations, have demanded setting up of the NLU in Jammu Province, citing the shifting to Badgam as yet another instance of discrimination with Jammu. RS Pathania, the BJP MLA from Udhampur East, has already raised his voice on this issue calling for being NLU in Jammu. And with each passing day, the issue is gaining momentum. More fuel was added into the fire of issue of Jammu State with statements from different political persons from both regions as well.
A few days back, I was in Srinagar in connection with proof-reading of my forthcoming book. In the evening, I sat with a few of my friends indulging in gossiping. One of them suddenly said: Bhai; what ails you Jammu-walas? To my questioning glance, he said a bit seriously: Why are you people always up in arms, opposing everything about Kashmir? Before I could answer, the other one said a bit tersely: We got Central University, so did you. You got IIT; we did not say anything. You got IIM; we kept quiet. And now that we are to get NLU, why are you agitated? Already, most of the developmental funds were diverted to Jammu because there was unrest here. You have been thriving at the cost of Kashmir; and you still cry discrimination? This is not fair. We have suffered so much in militancy and it is now the time to get our wounds healed. I realised they had been saying the same thing what an ordinary Kashmiri feels and is being fed about Jammu. This questioning sent me brooding.
In yet another development and with utmost responsibility Sajad Gani Lone, Chairman Peoples Conference has raised serious issues viz a viz progress and development of the Valley of Kashmir. While commenting on the shifting of the Law University to Jammu, he said that the sanctity of the post of Chief Minister demands that the promise of establishing NLU in Badgam be fulfilled. Launching a scathing attack on Jammu and its people, he said: “Kashmir jo kuchh bhi chahta hai, usey paaney ki yeh sanak pagalpan se zyada kuchh nahin hai. Jammu has an IIM. If Kasmir gets s Law University, what is the harm in it?”He added.
Elaborating, he seriously commented that time has come when both Jammu and Kashmir should separate. Elaborating, he also said that it is not only the question of development of both the regions; it seems Jammu is always ready to oppose Kashmiris! Going one step ahead, he added that Kashmiri thinking has now undergone quite a change with regard to the regional feelings and Kashmiris are in no mood to tolerate it (meaning, discrimination with Kashmir) any further!
But Lone also wisely commented when he said that time has come when both the regions should separate with mutual consent! He advocated the idea that this separation – both Jammu and Kashmir becoming two separate States-would be for the betterment of both Jammu as well as Kashmir.
Personally, I feel the yearning to separate and take birth as two States is fast becoming a reality. I have already elaborated upon the benefits of becoming separate entities in my previous write up; so, I do not feel any need to remind my learned readers again. One thing I would surely like to add: this Constitutional Amendment would once for all put a full stop at the Kashmir problem on international fora also. What Jammu leaders could not do, Kashmiri leaders are going to do it for them. Much water has flown down both Jhelum and Tawi and its time now to rectify historical blunders committed by our predecessors. As Sajad Lone has suggested, let us part ways with mutual understanding. And the best part is that this is a win-win situation for all: Jammu, Kashmir and the Centre. Everyone would be for once a gainer on the political, social and economic fronts. Perhaps, the issue of NLU may usher in a new era for all: and why not!
