1. National integration is the bond & togetherness among people regardless of their caste creed or gender. It is the feeling of oneness, brotherhood and social unity under communities & society in a nation. It is necessary as it helps to stabilize democracy, promotes economic growth and gives vital rights & duties to the citizens. For India, national integration is dependent upon structural, cultural and ideological congruity and harmony among different sections of Indian society. The values and norms stated in the Constitution of India about democracy, socialism & secularism provide basis of national integration.
2. Historically, Kashmir has been synonymous with Hindustan and the world has known the valley as “Jannat”. The entire world has been a keen viewer and admirer of the beauty, Sufism, rich culture and brotherhood prevalent in Kashmir. But unfortunately, Kashmir has been battered vehemently by repeated betrayals by its own rulers, invaders and plunderers and propaganda of Pakistan. These reasons have chronically induced a sense of insecurity and deprivation amongst the Kashmiri masses. Coupled with the religious card played so well by Pakistan, Kashmir, at a time, not much before, was boiling with rage and bloodshed. Gradually, things have improved and Kashmir is healing.
3. In the Kashmiri struggle between “National Integrity”, and “Identity” the valley has remained a quiet spectator of the separatism politics. The valley has simmered, boiled and cooled repeatedly in different phases and under varied circumstances. On 05 Aug 2019 the Govt revoked provisions of Article 370 and 35A to do away with special status of the state, which was more of separator than integrator. It further proposed bifurcation of the state into two centrally administered Union Territories J&K and Ladakh. The crucial decision aimed to redesign the future of a volatile region at the center of prolonged militancy. This landmark decision will be a stepping stone in the nation building process. The valley is now an integral part of the world’s largest democracy.
4. The concept of Azaadi of Kashmir was based upon the notion that J&K was different to the rest of India being a Muslim majority state and historically not aligned with mainland.Both articles 370 & 35A contributed to the creation of these sentiments which were fully exploited by ANEs & Pakistan. Due to this, the voice of this region remained politically & socially muted. The 05 Aug 2019 decision has struck the root to neutralize this. The days in the valley have changed for betterment and certainly the people have changed and are happy seeing the future progress prospects. In other words “Jannat” has got “Azaadi” with benefits & development to flow-in perennially.
Badalta Kashmir.
5. Yes, you read that right Kashmir is changing rapidly and is again becoming synonymous with Hindustan. There has been a 36% decline in terror incidents in J&K UT post abrogation and no major bloodshed has happened. There have been no successful “Bandhs” in the valley despite repeated calls & threats made by ANEs. Republic Day 2021 witnessed the entire valley celebrating with full vigor & zeal. Tricolor was hoisted with full respect in schools of Shopian & Pulwama – the hotbeds of local militancy. Business has returned to normal, 4G has been restored and one can see those convinced smiles on Kashmiri faces. One can see children waving towards and saluting the Army vehicles passing by youth coming forward to participate in events conducted by Army and locals approaching Army with their problems, unhestitantly. There have been surrenders by local militants during live gunfights, appeals by parents for children to return home and appeals surrendered terrorists to youth not to join the misguided path. DDC elections were conducted successfully across the valley and development projects have already gained pace. These are clear and strong indicators that Kashmir is changing and becoming integral with India. Now it’s just a matter of time and continuation of relentless efforts towards development and we will see “Jannat” flourish again as an integral part of India.
6. While all these positive outcomes are visible, we as Kashmiris have to be wary about Pak’s and other inimical force’s constant attempts to derail the process of national integration. Pakistan is baffled with its failures to be able to successfully foment unrest and drive Kashmiri youth into perpetual darkness. We must remain conscious of these nefarious attempts and make all out efforts to catalyze the process of real integration with our motherland. The external & separatist forces must not be given any opportunity to feel alienation rather I will call it as ‘Perceived Alienation’. Let’s all unite in the strong intuition and hope of a happy and prosperous Kashmir which is aligned to mainstream goals of our country from its core and reap the benefits of red integration. Inshallah, the day isn’t very far when we will remain completely isolated from Pak fomented violence and unrest in this beautiful valley.
