J&K interlocutors may not suggest tinkering with Article 370
Vishwa Mohan\TNN
New Delhi: The interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir are not likely to recommend splitting the state to meet regional aspirations and will not suggest any changes to Article 370 that gives the state certain privileges.
While the interlocutors are expected to address the demand for autonomy voiced by all three regions of Jammu and Kashmir, redrawing the state’s border or tinkering with Article 370 is not on the cards as such “solutions” are only likely to inflame differences rather resolving them. Sources privy to consultations said that the group will not suggest changes in the constitutional provision and while its report may contain various suggestions and options keeping in mind the aspirations of people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, a division is not viable.
However, the ‘political solutions’ the interlocutors will come out with will not ignore the wishes of people from different regions. The team has already met nearly 600 delegations and heard suggestions ranging from abolition and dilution of Article 370, giving greater autonomy to trifurcation of the state. The group, comprising journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and former information commissioner M M Ansari, on Saturday also denied a media report about their recommending a return to the pre-1953 status as the way forward in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir problem. “The (media) report is purely speculative in nature. The group of interlocutors is presently engaged in preparing a draft of its final report which is expected to be submitted to the government of India before its term ends on October 12, 2011,” they said.
New Delhi: The interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir are not likely to recommend splitting the state to meet regional aspirations and will not suggest any changes to Article 370 that gives the state certain privileges.
While the interlocutors are expected to address the demand for autonomy voiced by all three regions of Jammu and Kashmir, redrawing the state’s border or tinkering with Article 370 is not on the cards as such “solutions” are only likely to inflame differences rather resolving them. Sources privy to consultations said that the group will not suggest changes in the constitutional provision and while its report may contain various suggestions and options keeping in mind the aspirations of people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, a division is not viable.
However, the ‘political solutions’ the interlocutors will come out with will not ignore the wishes of people from different regions. The team has already met nearly 600 delegations and heard suggestions ranging from abolition and dilution of Article 370, giving greater autonomy to trifurcation of the state. The group, comprising journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and former information commissioner M M Ansari, on Saturday also denied a media report about their recommending a return to the pre-1953 status as the way forward in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir problem. “The (media) report is purely speculative in nature. The group of interlocutors is presently engaged in preparing a draft of its final report which is expected to be submitted to the government of India before its term ends on October 12, 2011,” they said.
In balacncing the aspirations of the three regions, the group will have to do a tightrope walk. The political divides have sharpened with both Jammu and Ladakh feeling that their interests were sacrificed with Kashmir receiving much more attention. On the other hand, there is a strong element of alienation in the Valley.The group will have to consider substantive sub-plans for Jammu and Ladakh while addressing political issues put forward by sections of the Valley...................http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQS8yMDExLzA5LzA0I0FyMDEwMDE=&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
No comments:
Post a Comment