Dr Sudershan Kumar
On 29th January 2017, the issue of plebiscite for Kashmir was raked up by one of the elected members during the Legislative Assembly session in Jammu, while the other members from various political parties chose to remain silent on the issue barring one member who requested the speaker to expunge the remarks. This was not only disturbing and surprising, but it was also against the policy on Kashmir adopted by Government of India. This reflects the meagre mindset of the members and the extent of their vote bank politics to please the people of Valley, who represent only 7 percent of the area of undivided Jammu and Kashmir. All these members have won the election on the plank of development with a commitment to work for the welfare of the people. It is a well known fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India as per the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh on 26th October 1947, accepted by Lord Louis Mountbatten on 27th October and unanimously ratified by Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir State then.
Before partition Maharaja Hari Singh’s State of Jammu and Kashmir was made up of three main geographical regions viz. Ladakh and Gilgit province, in the north and north west, Jammu province in the south and Kashmir province in the middle. The ethnic diversity of the state mirrors its geographical diversity to a large extent. The main Gilgit town was thickly populated with Shia Muslims whereas the Buddhists were residing in Central Ladakh The Kashmir valley’s local population mainly comprised of Sunni Muslims along with Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs and Christians and Jammu province was dominated by Hindus, Sikhs and some percentage of Muslims.
At the time of partition, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India on 26th October,1947 thus making Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of India. Subsequently, the Indian Army repulsed the attack on the Kashmir valley by the men of pakhtoon tribes and Pak regulars pushing them back towards the Pakistani side. This came to an end with the declaration of ceasefire.Also the United Nation General Assembly passed a resolution asking Pakistan to withdraw its forces and nationals from Jammu and Kashmir State completely. This U.N. resolution no. 47 did discuss about plebiscite but the first and foremost condition was complete withdrawal of forces by Pakistan. This resolution however jarred the Pakistani leaders at that time who summarily rejected this option of withdrawing troops from Jammu and Kashmir State. They illegally continued to occupy some part of Jammu and Kashmir along with Gilgit and Baltistan, called as “Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(POK).”
Moreover in 1962 ,China too annexed some territory (called Akasi Chin) from India in a swift war. Subsequently Pakistan gave some territory (Shakasgam valley) to China. After failure to seize Kashmir in 1947, Pakistan commenced the operation Gibralter by sending around 30,000 infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir in the month of August 1965 and started a full scale war on 6th September 1965 by launching a major offensive against India at Akhnoor sector of Jammu region. This operation ended up in strategic and politic failure for Pakistan. The war lasted till 23rd September 1965. Following which Tashkent agreement was signed on 10th February 1966 between Prime Minister of India and President of Pakistan. As per the agreement, troops of both the countries reverted back to the original position of cease fire line (CFL). They also decided not to interfere in each others’ internal affairs. Further in 1971 war, Pakistan suffered humiliating defeat and a new nation named “Bangladesh” was created and 93000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to Indian army at Dhaka on 16th December 1971. Again on 2nd July 1972 Shimla Agreement was signed between the Prime Ministers of two countries. As per the agreement cease fire line(CFL) was renamed as Line of Control (LOC) and again it was decided that hence forth any issue arising will be decided with mutual consultations without involving any third party. Both the nations would work for peace and stability of South Asia. Subsequently 93000 troops were repatriated back to Pakistan.
In the aftermath of creation of Bangladesh, the leaders from Jammu and Kashmir realized the importance of dialogue rather than confrontation and signed an agreement commonly known as Indira-Sheikh Accord on 13th November, 1974. They also gave up the cherished goal of Plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah assu-med the office of Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir State and other leaders as council of ministers and continued. This process of democratically elected Government is still continuing. But defiant Pakistan did not stick to its commitment for non inference in the internal affairs of India as a result of which in 1989 wide spread popular armed insurgency started in Kashmir valley. This was engineered by Pakistani Army and ISI by inciting the religious sentiments of the peace loving Kashmiris through disgruntled and anti social elements.As a step further in the Pakistan’s nefarious designs, in the year 1990 all Kashmiri Pandits were driven out of Kashmir valley. This was against the ethics of any civilization.
Continuing with its nasty actions,in 1999, Pakistani army regulars occupied forward posts at high altitude areas in Dras and Kargil sectors along the line of control. Indian Army supported by IAF launched major offensives to get these posts vacated from Pakistani regulars. Since then terrorism has been emanating from the neighbouring country to Indian side with establishment of a large number training camps and launch pads along the line of control to facilitate trouble in the valley with the aid of separatists as well. The unrest created by the direct interference of our neighbourer has resulted into demonstrations, raising of IS/Pakistan flags and stone pelting.
Thus due to direct interference by Pakistan in Kashmir valley, there has been a drastic change in the peaceful environment of Jammu and Kashmir State. Therefore, slogan of Plebiscite has become irrelevant on the already settled issue signed by the Maharaja on 26th October 1947. The only issue pending is the illegal occupation of some parts of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan and China.
In case the people of valley have certain issues / aspirations, these can well be addressed by the Govt. of India within the frame work of Indian constitution provided they shun the route of violence first, however due weightage has to be given to the aspirations of the people from Jammu and Ladakh provinces also.
The author is of the opinion that the slogan of Plebiscite raised by Pak agents, separatists, various disgruntled and anti social elements is not a boon for Pakistan too rather it will be a bane for them due to ripple effects on their provinces where unrest is already going on. Our neighbour should also understand that fire of terrorism ignited by it will not only engulf it, but also effect the whole of south east Asia, where the need of hour is peace and stability to eradicate poverty through development and technological advances to meet the challenges of 21st century.
(The author is former Chief Controller R&D & Special Secretary MOD)
feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel