Certain decisions are taken, at times quite reluctantly, all in the interests of the administration to ensure that peace, tranquillity, public order and trust in the Government machinery remained intact rather reigned supreme. Most of us recall what Woodrow Wilson had said about the state that it was a people organised for law within a definite territory. Basically, life is assured and safety guaranteed only when law was not only properly organised but enforced as well. Enforcement, at times could be with bitter layer followed by honey sweet layers. In a place, politically and otherwise highly pliable, any statement or speech or even a call for a protest against any action of the executive could spell doom and when it is the issue of abrogation of much hyped Article 370, about which lot of hot political magniloquence had made rounds much in advance, preventive detention in the shape of confining one either to one’s house or shifting to a comfortable temporary “rendezvous” had become an unavoidable choice. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, three times Chief Minister, Chief Patron of National Conference, a former Union Minister and presently an MP had to face mobility curtailments under the Public Safety Act only as a preventive measure.
Now that nearly after seven months of ‘detention’, he is free, it is a matter of satisfaction while at the same time being demonstration of pragmatism on the part of both the UT and Central Governments in that anticipating a very positive political role to be played by Farooq Abdullah looking to various aspects. Having headed the erstwhile state as Chief Minister three times, Farooq is fully aware of the nitty-gritty of Kashmir politics.
Last but not the least, Articles 370 and 35 A being now consigned to pages of history, has to be admitted gracefully and proceeded further, there being no other alternative. In other words, thinking seriously on these lines could help in further strengthening the threads of peace, tranquillity, normal activities and the equilibrium of endowments of people.
We have no qualms with his wish and expectations that “I hope other political leaders would be released soon, I will be able to take a decision on the future only after other leaders are released.” Since the process has started right from the senior most mainstream politician of Jammu and Kashmir, hopefully it would be in respect of other leaders as well. Otherwise also, gradually most of the detainees have been released and are being released except the ones who are facing court cases for various offences. Jammu and Kashmir has suffered a lot, mainly and basically due to treacherous and chicanery manoeuvrings of Pakistan, cross border terrorism, infiltrations, sending trained and indoctrinated infiltrators into this side to create mayhem and destruction. A perceptible brake has been applied on that after nearly three decades of created unrest. Let the achievements be consolidated, furthered, strengthened and to enable an era of peace and economic progress usher in.
It is heartening to observe that political activities under the democratic set up have started taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. Consolidating different political leanings and ideologies, forming new political parties or future coalitions and the like are positive offshoots of mainstream politics and should be seen from a positive angle. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, now free to restart political activities, could contribute a lot and project himself in a new exalted portrayal since he has options under the country’s democratic set up, liberty and freedom to still play many more political innings with intent to ensure peace and progress of Jammu and Kashmir.
Being the most experienced mainstream politician of the UT, Centre should utilize his services for resumption of political activity in the region.
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