This refers to the report, “ >Article 370: RSS joins row ” (May 29). This seems an appropriate time to, once and for all, do away with Article 370. Primarily, the provision is specified as “temporary” under Part XXI, Articles 369-392 of the Constitution, which deals with “Temporary, Transitional and Special provisions.” Articles 379-391 are already deleted. Article 370, in respect of Jammu and Kashmir, is classified under “Temporary provisions” whereas 371(A-I), on nine other States, are under “Special provisions.” Prima facie, it is meaningless to continue with a “temporary” provision, even more than 60 years since Independence. The India-Pakistan wars and the continuing controversy over Kashmir must be a lesson for India against moves to revive the Kashmir Constituent Assembly. If we continue with this Article, we are sure to land in greater trouble. Moreover, Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution to empower the President (read Union Cabinet) to declare that Article 370 shall be inoperative, without any recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State. In fact, today, through a number of presidential orders, most Union laws are applicable to the State. For the people of the State there is practically no advantage in remaining adamant on the issue for the sole purpose of claiming rights of permanent residents. The reason behind the opposition is definitely a hidden agenda of vested interests. For the people of the rest of India, this constitutes discrimination.
P.R.V. Raja,
Pandalam
Article 370 was only meant to be a temporary solution at the time of unification and is in no way beneficial to the people of the Valley even in the long run. Leaders in the Valley should do away with the idea that growth and development can happen only through this link. The world is changing and the people of Kashmir need to change too. Suitable amendments can be made to the Constitution to bring about peace, stability and development in the region.
Shankar Kottal,
Gokak, Karnataka
Political leaders seem to be habituated to emotional outbursts on sensitive issues such as this one. The new government should settle the issue once and for all. Before that happens, leaders should refrain from talking about the issue as it could vitiate the atmosphere in the State. However, one thing which is clear is that the State is an integral part of the country.
T.V. Nageswara Rao,
Visakhapatnam
There is “Delhi phobia” in the State, which the Central government must first address. Further, human rights violations must be looked into. Being a right-wing party, the BJP can implement these measures without being accused of “going soft on separatism.” Implementation of these measures will also result in a situation where a politician in J&K would be able to support the nullification of Article 370, without losing his or her vote bank. The people of J&K should be made to realise that the limited political autonomy bestowed by Article 370 is insignificant when compared to the investments and development that would happen when the same is repealed. Though this is easier said than done, abrogating the Article is a win-win situation for the State and India.
Bipin Thaivalappil,
Payyannur, Kerala
When Junagadh or Hyderabad was not accorded any special status, why this for only Kashmir? Did this provision do any good to the people of Kashmir? The answer is a resounding no. It has only kept alive their alienation. On the contrary, even people who are willing to participate in the democratic process have been silenced by violence. In the recently held parliamentary election, there were reports of people who voted being victimised. One suspects that political parties in the State have a vested interest in keeping this alienation alive. A healthy debate and an impartial audit on Article 370 are welcome.
A. Thirugnanasambantham,
Coimbatore
Those who are upset about the debate over Article 370 should realise that they cannot leave out the Kashmiri Pandits. The government must try and devise a process to encourage Kashmiris to assimilate themselves into the mainstream. Providing them jobs in other parts of India, arranging for special training programmes Kashmiri sportsmen and giving them a chance to represent India in other fields can do wonders. This will ultimately dilute the separatist base in the Valley and pave the way for the abrogation of Article 370.
Roshan U. Alam,
New Delhi
