Ashiq Hussain
There is a certain fraction of people in the Valley who still vouch for independent Kashmir. It is not that they are encountering problems but being an opportunist who look for his own benefits is forcing them to do so. It must be clear that there is no reason for fighting for Kashmir which isn’t a separate entity. For the records in the year 1947, the Maharaja of Kashmir, Maharaj Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession and thereafter India had acted as saviour to save Kashmir from the hands of the tribals. Since then there have been continuous elections in the Valley which led to the formation of legislature representing the voice and aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir. This legislature never demanded for referendum which echoed the similar mindset of the general populace. The small fraction which speaks about separate state are the propagators of Pakistani’s agenda. Pakistan since independence had eyes on Kashmir and employed all the ways and means to annex it be it in terms of militancy or instigating political faction. India’s proactive efforts in order to counter its each and every plan have fructified. India has been continuously working for the upliftment of Kashmiris and left no stone unturned in this aspect.
Kashmiris have been given quota in every premier government University across India and major steps have been taken to get the Kashmiris into mainstream. Different steps like educational tours of school children to different parts of India and various welfare activities under Sadhbhavna have been undertaken. Indian government is ready to extend its hand in order to help every Kashmiri and work for their welfare. But if someone is in dilemma that India will deal with secession softly, then they are under wrong impression. The heavy crackdown on militants will continue and Indian armed forces will keep on eliminating them. Misguided youth must understand that it is in their benefit to align with the Government after all it is their country. Change is already seen wherein Kashmiris have a very positive outlook regarding every aspect of india and feels to be part of it. India should never be on the backfoot and continue the goodwork across the Valley. Eventually people will understand the true intentions of both sides and decide accordingly. On the other hand the Army must continue dealing firmly with the misguided militants and eliminate last one of them to make its stance clear.
