O P Sharma
Name of Book : “Jammu Kashmir Ladakh Different Political Terrains”
Author: Prof Hari Om
Publisher : OBEROI Book Service, Bahu Plaza, Jammu
Year: 2024
Pages : 134
Price : Rs. 795
This book entitled ” Jammu Kashmir Ladadkh- Different Political Terrains” by renowned writer-historian Prof Hari Om, deals with the general Parliamentary elections- 2024, victory of the BJP in Jammu; defeat of two former Chief Ministers in Kashmir valley and triumph of united Kargil over the vertically divided Leh. It is Prof Hari Om’s analysis of Lok Sabha polls in UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and also Ladakh and deals with the nature of the State politics and political parties in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh as also their origin, leadership and ideological landscape..
Besides, it throws ample light on the attitude of political parties towards the August 5-6, 2019 historic reforms introduced by the Narendra Modi Government to integrate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh fully into the country, re-organize the State of Jammu and Kashmir and meet the Buddhists’ demand seeking Union Territory status for the trans-Himalayan Ladakh. The book, in addition, deals with the support-base of political parties active in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The contradictions between Jammu province and Kashmir and contradictions within Ladakh form the core of the book by Prof Hari Om.
The Big Change
The author argues: “August 5, 2019 was a Red Letter Day in the political history of the nation when, Modi Government sprung a big surprise and changed the course of history in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. It also changed the history of relations between this northern region and New Delhi. That eventful day, it revoked Article 370 and divided the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh.
Prof Hari Om adds that ” the changes evoked a response in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh on expected lines. An overwhelming majority of people in Jammu and Kashmir bold termed the decision decision as a rational decision to do away with “temporary and transitory provision of the Constitution” . It was expected, despite the fact that the Modi Government had not treated the suffering and discrimination against people of Jammu province like it treated the suffering and discriminated against Buddhists of Ladakh. That day, they also remembered the contributions and supreme sacrifices of Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Prem Nath Dogra had made for the cause of the nation in this strategic part of the country..
A vast majority of people in Jammu province even today bemoans that the Modi Government did nothing to empower them and their region. At the same time, however, their watchword remains full integration into the country”, it is underscored.
This book records that Kashmiri parties, without any exception, would behave as before and reject the changes as ” an onslaught on the Kashmiri Muslim sub-nationalism”. They used the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an opportunity to arouse passions in the Valley and motivate Kashmiris to come out and vote in large numbers to register their participation in the strengthening of the largest democracy in the world.”
They overlooked the fact that their ideology, approach and objectives would further sharpen the fault lines between Jammu province and Kashmir.
The story of relations between the Shiite Muslim-dominated Kargil and Buddhist-dominated Leh as far as their attitude towards the country and the Constitution of Bharat is evident to political observers.
This book contains six chapters: 1. Campaign Against Dynastic Politics 2. Pitching for Pre-August 2019 Status 3. Referendum 4. Overt, Covert Support For Separatism 5. BJP Wins Jammu, Fractured Verdict in Kashmir and 6th is , United Kargil Defeats Divided Leh.
Versatile Author
Prof Hari Om is former Head of Jammu University’s P.G History Department and former Dean, Social Sciences, Jammu University. He also headed Maharaja Gulab Singh Chair in the University of Jammu. Besides, he served the Indian Council of Historical Research for six years and also remained Professor of History in the NCERT. He has co-authored “Contemporary India”, a textbook for the class IX students. He has also authored “Buddhists Playing with Fire: Political history of Ladakh post-August 5, 2019”; “Abrogation of Article 370: Supreme Court’s Landmark Judgement”; “The 1998 Jammu revolt: How Farooq Abdullah saved his Government ” ; “Nation Betrayed: Essays on Contemporary Jammu and Kashmir” ; “Administration of Justice in Jammu and Kashmir” ; “Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir” ; “Debacle in Kashmir”, “Beyond the Kashmir Valley” and “Jammu and Kashmir: Conflicting perceptions”; co-edited “Politics of Autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir” and “Burning issues in Jammu and Kashmir”; as also co- authored “Social justice of Dr B.R.Ambedkar”.
Read “Between the Lines”
This latest book by Prof Hari Om is an objective analysis of the General Lok Sabha elections during Sept, 2024 in Jammu and Kashmir with their overall important implications. The emergence of new political scenario in the Ladakh having its own alignment, aspirations and also challenges.
This well produced and finely produced book is of deep interest for the academicians, students, scholars and general public not only in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh but also across the country.
(starline.syndicate.service@gamail.com)
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