Shabir Ahmad
The State of Jammu and Kashmir has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan for more than 50 years. Kashmir is seven decades old dispute between India and Pakistan. When India and Pakistan emerged as separate independent dominions, Jammu and Kashmir had choice either to join any of the two dominions or be independent. But history is a witness due to many political reasons and compulsions, Kashmir accedes to Indian dominion without taking into consideration the aspirations of the people in general and interest of the state in particular. The dispute is a challenge for India and Pakistan as it disturbs the peace not only in this particular region but throughout the whole sub continent. Several wars has been fought till now between India and Pakistan over this dispute. To be brief , lacs died on both sides besides damaging the property of billions.
The State of Jammu and Kashmir is being treated not more than an industry where few are benefited while injuring the majority. It is just like a vote bank for all regional and national political parties while as it are a mother land for patriotic native people. Its irresolution benefits many but its resolution will benefit only native citizens that are the reason it is kept alive and active. Let me come to my subject now that what if Kashmir gets independence and is resolved once for all as per the aspirations of the people? The day it is resolved, peace will be restored throughout the region and throughout the sub continent. The relationship between India and Pakistan will improve and will emerge as a new instance in this nuclear and conflict age. The people of both countries will visit other sides. There will be no Visa , terrorism, hatred problem as it is right now. The present super powers will get a shock over the strength and stability of the region as they too want to keep it alive. They don’t want that others to be in their competition. They always try to indulge other nations in such type of conflicts that will bury their economy, stability, and peace.
The State of Jammu and Kashmir will emerge as the richest country of the continent within a decade. The people will live a dignified and prosperous life. There will be no fear of bullets and pellets. There will be no restrictions over internet , social media etc. There will be fear of being killed in fake encounter and there will be no blood shell and mass killings in the state. There will be no massacres and mass rapes in the state. There will be no calls, bandh, or strikes any more. The people will love their state and those who have migrated to other countries will return back to their home places. But it is pertinent to mention here today’s mainstream will have no space in then mainstream. They will have only one choice to migrate to some other place for their safety. The state will be no longer a militarised cage with AFSPA like powers. There will be no unnecessary checks and naka’s over your journey. There will be no restrictions on freedom of press. The people will enjoy all fundamental freedoms which in today’s date are also imprisoned like thousands of innocent civilians. There will be no restrictions on the congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid Srinagar.
There will be development across the state. The people will receive 24*7 hours electricity without any interruption. In terms of livelihood, the state will sustain itself through tourism, handicrafts and agriculture.Kashmiri handicraft products such as carpets, shawls, paper machine, crewel, etc. will be exported to European countries. The industry will progress in leaps and bounds. Kashmiri fruits and dry fruits will be most expensive in the world market. The producers and artists will progress. An independent Kashmir will be the most attractive destination for foreign tourists. The house boat owners , hoteliers & restaurateurs will earn much better than today. There will be no longer alarming unemployment in the state. The people will earn more than they require to make the both ends meet. Those who have relatives across the border will meet them after decades.
With an approximate land mass of 1,800 square miles (80 miles long, 20 to 25 miles wide) it is much larger than Monaco and Liechtenstein – but only one-tenth of the size of Bhutan. Whether or not the rest of the state retained its current political affiliations, many Kashmiris therefore believe that the valley could be viable in its own right. An independent Kashmir would also have good relations with its neighbours in order to survive economically. Not only is the region landlocked, but it is snowbound during winter. An independent Kashmir Valley would have the advantage of giving neither Pakistan nor India a victory out of their longstanding dispute. But although Pakistan might favour the creation of an independent Kashmir Valley, India would be unlikely to agree to the loss of territory involved. An independent Jammu and Kashmir might also set in motion the demand for independence by other states in both India and Pakistan and lead to a “Balkanisation” of the region. An independent Kashmir Valley has been considered by some as the best solution because it would address the grievances of those who have been fighting for this cause since decades.
(The author is a freelancer and writes on various contemporary issues of national and international import. Views are his own [email protected])
