B L Saraf
What used to be very exceptional for the State Governor has become normal, with Satya Pal Malik taking over as the Constitutional head of J &K . For him it has become a routine affair to divulge his mind in public-rather openly. May be situation in the state is such as to demand a periodic expression at the highest level . Latest being his admission that he has learnt many things from bureaucrats and politicians in Jammu and Kashmir State which he hadn’t in 50 years his public life. He said in a sarcastic vein ” I have learnt from bureaucrats as to how it takes four months to move a file from one table to another. I added more to my wisdom in Kashmir than I collectively added in last fifty years elsewhere. From the politicians of the State I am learning how to deprecate same work in other Governments and praise in their own.” Governor Malik opened his mind while addressing 9th Sat Paul Sahni memorial lecture, organized by IIPA Jammu Chapter.
Governor said that in his six months stay in the State he has fully understood Kashmir and given some more time he could write a voluminous book on it. Governor, except referring to the bureaucratic indolence and politician’s double speak, didn’t elaborate what else he had learnt in Kashmir. But sarcasm in the statement revealed more than what was left unsaid. We hope he will relate all his knowledge, gathered so far, to the Bosses in New Delhi for appropriate action.
Earlier, Governor Malik raised serious questions on the working of State PSC, exposed ‘ scams ‘ in making appointments to the J&K Bank. He blamed his Advisors and the bureaucrats for having misled him to sign some contracts of coloured nature. Alas; people are yet to see any punitive action initiated against the alleged culprits.
Well, what has been his understanding of the State is a purely a subjective matter of the Governor but since he occupies a highest Constitutional post in the State and at present combines in him a top Executive post also, we are well within our rights to hazard a guess on his understanding. We trust Governor Malik has understood Kashmir not only in geographical terms but has had a look at the plight of the residents also. Seeing it a geographic unit simpliciter will not reveal a clear picture.
It has been the tragedy of the state that the central administrators and political functionaries descending on Kashmir from Delhi, often, come with a fixed view to see Kashmir more in Physical terms and generally overlooked aspirations and the grievances of its inhabitants. They were obsessed more with protection of its geography than care for the populace. They displayed a skewed mindset when it came to relieve people of the distress. It is good that Malik has understood Kashmir. We trust when he says Kashmir he includes Kashmiris in it. Well, people here are not difficult to decipher. They are uncomplicated, straightforward and endowed with human qualities,as, indeed, are the people who live in other regions of the State.
People, no doubt are uncomplicated but issue that confronts them is far too complex and complicated. It is Hydra headed. That of physical survival is real and immediate. They may be rare, but few opportunities lie ahead which can be utilized to create a situation that may lead, at least, to minimizing of deaths on the streets. Opportunities are there to inspire a trust, have regard for juvenile justice and basic human rights of people at large. It needs committed action on the part of Government and the politicians to turn these opportunities into the reality.
After having understood J&K, we would like Governor Malik to strive for a new social contract that gives a fair stake to all the actors. A new human centric approach is called for. In this regard it is good to see that Governor Maliks’s approach to deal with the situations has evolved. In initial stages of his tenure he would stress more on military action and dismissed Hurriyayt’s role in seeing things improved. Because, Governor Malik felt they were advocating cause of Pakistan. Now it appears Malik sees a role for them. That is why he has thrown doors open to them for a dialogue. This is good omen that Governor has a realization that killing militants won’t end real problem in Kashmir. Militancy has to be fought in the mind.
It is time to invest more in peace effort and ensure it is durable. Many a young are jobless. Something has to be done to provide jobs to unemployed youth. Nothing will happen by itself despite pious intentions of the Governor. If change is the opportunity seize the moment.
We see a welcome sign that young and educated in the Valley are taking to the electoral politics. Governor’s administration must ensure a level playing field for them. Otherwise a crafty politician will not make life easy for them.
It is good that sacrifice made by Kashmiri Muslims for the cause of nation has been recognized, at the highest level. Ashok Chakra for L/N Nazir Ahmad Wani is testimony of that. Central Government and the Governor must appreciate in proper perspective what Martyr’s wife has said on hearing the news. His wife Mahajaben said “her husband always wanted to make his 162 /TA JK LI Battalion proud. For him duty was supreme. He was a source of inspiration for people in our area.”
That is the spirit. There is an impending need to build on the spirit. Alongside, it is time to ponder for a moment why, despite spending tons of money in the state, not a grain of trust has yielded for New Delhi, so far.
(The author is former Principal District & Sessions Judge)
feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com
Follow our WhatsApp channel
