Turning the Clock Back

Though it will be premature to argue too much about the restoration of pre1953 status to Jammu and Kashmir, the much-awaited report of the central government’s interlocutors, though still not made public, has started rumours about such a possibility. It has created much c uriosity among various circles and a considerable section of the people in JK do not believe that autonomy will ever be r estored, as they feel the times gone by cannot be traversed again. The question remains, will the clock move backwards?

I believe there is a need for a sincere and functional decision which will be based on the experience of long agony by the common people of the state. Such a decision should not be taken from a consensus among politicians – separatists or otherwise. The restoration of genuine internal autonomy to the state can definitely mark the beginning of a new era of peace. Restoring the status prior to 1953 by the Government of India will imply that the latter will control only defence, communication and foreign affairs. Whether autonomy will serve the purpose of restoring human rights, economic and social development and above all justice to the people is as yet an unknown factor.