Lt Col Krishan Chand (Retd)
After a very keenly contested high voltage election results and daily/ hourly speculations by political pundits, the lay people were highly disappointed to learn of imposition of Governor’s rule. The reasons for the disappointment varied as per the various needs ranging from just selfless desire to see good governance model, to mundane reasons for using the elected, to benefit, in employment/ contracts/ permissions/ clearances/ quotas et al. Many crafty moves by various political parties, particularly NC, Congress and some eminent independents, have been in circulation, with little or no constructive effect. The parties in the matter, namely PDP and BJP have only made very cautious exploratory moves so far, due their own fears, much to the disappointment and anxiety among the people. Let us now consider what may and should happen in governance of the state.
The Governor’s rule is economical, non-partisan, and effective, but is hampered by uncertainty of tenure, policy etc. Governor Jagmohan type spell, for which many (including the valley) have high praise for effective service delivery and administration, is not on the horizon. Therefore let us consider, how and by when PDP-BJP Govt can/ get formed, with what agenda for governance. As of date we only know that informal talks for govt formation between the parties continue to take place. Apparently both sides have a lot of divergent interests and voices to be harmonised, before they can sit down to consider the common minimum programme for governance. Art 370 and AFSPA are widely reported to be hampering meeting of minds with separatist lobby also reportedly pulling the strings and doing of PDP. While some of it is obviously true and is of some political value to PDP in the valley, I’ve a feeling that the PDP leadership is politicallymature not to forfeit their well deserved chance to have a share in governance. In any case the BJP has not so far any time stated that they’re going to abrogate Art 370. Their stance, so far has been that it has not benefitted the state and they want it to be discussed to understand its merits, uses and abuses better, and, there can be no harm in reviewing and debating. AFSPA is contingent upon the security situation and if the PDP indeed has any leverage at grass root level and with separatists, it can cause security situation to improve to a level where it is no longer required and then it may be revoked and central govt requested to review its offending provisions.
There are other issues like self-rule/ autonomy and resumption of talks with Pakistan that irk many people in the state and are not acceptable nationally. These issues need to be kept away from common minimum programme, as neither the BJP nor the PDP have any mandate to go into these. Talks with Pakistan being a matter of foreign policy is, in any case not a matter for the State Govt and needs to be attended by the Govt at the centre only. The state leadership may render advice when solicited, discreetly only. As regards self-rule/ autonomy, it flies in the face of reason and common sense. Jammu and Kashmir has more power than any other state of the union. The state subjects too have more privileges and rights than are available to other citizens. Their representatives govern and serve and the most vocal voices for this come from the valley, which despite smaller size and population, has held dominant position in governance and has apportioned, lion’s share of state’s resources to itself. It has so far been possible through the untenable bogey of Pakistan nuisance, separatism and weak compromising govts at the centre. Both atmospherics and ground realities have undergone a paradigm shift and these issues are no longer tenable and even debatable between state and centre. Self-rule/ autonomy from whom and for what? To Talks the Govt hasn’t said no . The only and very desirable pre-condition for these being, tangible measures to end terrorism by Pakistan. If separatists have state interest in their hearts, they should exert whatever influence they have with Pakistan to demolish their anti-India terror network. In any case with ISAF withdrawal from Afghanistan, mounting US pressure linked to Aid, falling oil prices, many terror outfits having turned their terror on Pakistan and a new and stronger Govt at the centre, both autonomy and terror linked talks are a no go area and the PDP and separatists both know it. It is better for them to reconcile with reality for the people, who, in any case have only bread and butter issues upper most in their minds and, autonomy and talks, only agitate the minds of clever and power hungry.
The state has stayed underdeveloped and mal-governed for, far too long and is yearning for clean, efficient and public service oriented Government, which both parties with mandate have a duty to provide. Their respective political aspirations are also best served by being of service to the people and not by any egotist grand-standing. Therefore earlier they thrash out a common minimum/maximum programme and the mechanism to operationalise it, the better. Aid to flood victims, displaced persons including victims of border firing among many, is awaiting the attention and service of elected representatives. All elected in particular and others in general are required and expected to help in govt formation. Both BJP and PDP have displayed both maturity and dignified reserve in their discourse and now is the time to move forward towards responsible caring governance.
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