Kashmir & Art.370.
Amitabh Mattoo's analysis (December 6) of Art.370 of our Constitution does not give a clear picture of the Kashmir problem. It has been well-said that the difference between Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, our first prime minister, and Sardar Vallabha Bhai Patel, our first deputy prime minister, is clearly seen in the handling of the State of Jammu & Kashmir and the State of Hyderabad. The clear-headed Sardar took police action when the Razakars inflicted attrocities on the people of Hyderabad, and integrated it with India. Nehru stopped our army when it is about to clear the Jammu & Kashmir state from all the invaders, declared a cease-fire and took it to the Security Council. It created a fertile ground for other countries to play a role in Kashmir. Art.370 is the result of that folly.It has created a wall between India and the State of Jammu & Kashmir,which was merged with India when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession as per the Indian Independence Act enacted by the British Government, like all other princely states. Modi is right in asking for a debate on the benefits of this wall for Indians including the Kashmiris. He has asked a valid question about IITs and IIMs in Kashmir. Art.370, like socialism and non-alignment, has outlived its utility and validity. Our Constitution has been amended many times to keep in tune with the changing times. We cannot freeze our political,economical and social progress forever.
December 6, 2013.
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