The ongoing political development in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the discussions around restoring statehood, have raised serious concerns among nationalist forces and those who prioritize India’s unity and security.
If the government, led by Prime Minister Sh.Narendra Modi Ji proceeds with this step, it would be a grave mistake, undoing years of efforts to stabilize the region. This decision risks becoming another historic blunder, much like Nehru’s imposition of Article 370 and Article 35A, which empowered the Abdullahs and their associates while weakening the central government’s authority.
The consequences of that decision were disastrous, allowing separatism, radicalization, and corruption to thrive for decades. The proposed restoration of statehood could bring back the same forces with full powers and authority that have harmed the nation and betrayed nationalist sentiments in Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Conference led by Omar Abdullah, congress and like minded political parties have been aggressively advocating for statehood, but their agenda is not driven by governance, development, or the welfare of the people.
Their real objective is to regain political dominance, create space for pro-Pakistan and separatist elements, and restore the political monopoly that Kashmir-centric parties have long enjoyed at the cost of national security.
If full powers are handed over to the Abdullah-led or any similar government, it will strengthen pro-Pakistan forces, embolden separatists, radical fundamentalists, and terrorist networks, create an environment for the release of militants and stone pelters, perpetuate discrimination against minorities, institutionalize corruption and nepotism, and encourage dialogue with Pakistan, which continues to sponsor terrorism in India.
For the last 35 years, the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community has been living in exile, while successive governments have ignored their demands. Restoring statehood under the leadership of those responsible for their exodus will never address their grave issues, including one-place settlement in the valley with constitutional guarantees, recovery of land snatched under distress sales and draconian laws, recognition of the genocide and ethnic cleansing they suffered, and a judicial inquiry into past atrocities.
Kashmir-centric politicians, particularly those from NC and PDP, have repeatedly ignored these demands, prioritizing their own political survival and appeasement of radical elements over justice and rehabilitation.
Those advocating for statehood fail to recognize the lessons of history. The Kashmir of the 1980s and 1990s witnessed the worst wave of terrorism, separatism, and ethnic cleansing, and the very politicians now pushing for statehood were responsible for creating that environment. If power is once again handed over to them, there is no guarantee that Kashmir will not return to the days of violence, radicalization, and instability.
The Modi Ji government must not repeat Nehru’s mistake. Restoring statehood will provide space to the same forces that once destroyed Jammu and Kashmir. NC, PDP, and their associates have always prioritised their own political gains over national security. Giving them control once again is akin to handing a loaded gun to those who have already fired at the nation.
The abrogation of Article 370 was a historic and corrective step that integrated Jammu and Kashmir more firmly with the rest of India. The move brought the region under direct central administration, ensuring better law and order and reducing corruption.
The continuation of Union Territory status is essential for eradicating terrorism at its roots, ending the political monopoly of dynastic parties, ensuring transparency in governance, building confidence among minorities and nationalists, and establishing a neutral and strong administration free from political manipulation.
Prime Minister Modi Ji has been a symbol of strong and decisive leadership, but the discussions around restoring statehood raise serious concerns about whether the government is succumbing to political pressures instead of prioritizing national interests.
The Kashmiri Pandit Conference,( KPC ) representing nationalist voices, urges the Prime Minister to reconsider this decision. Any political compromise with NC or similar parties will weaken India’s position in the long run and harm the nationalist forces who have stood by the government through every challenge. Instead of rushing into statehood restoration, the government must continue with UT status, ensure that those responsible for past misgovernance are held accountable, address the Kashmiri Pandit issue with sincerity, and strengthen security measures to ensure long-term stability.
Restoring statehood is not a step toward normalization but a step backward. It will only serve to empower those forces that have historically worked against India’s unity. The government must not fall into the trap of political compromise at the cost of national security. The Kashmiri Pandit Conference and other nationalist forces call upon the central leadership to stand firm against this ill-advised move.
Even if the National Conference (NC) agrees to or offers a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir, the Modi-led central government must not compromise or be tempted by power. National interest stands far above political expediency, and any such alliance should be firmly avoided in the larger interest of the nation.
The future of Jammu and Kashmir, and indeed the integrity of India, depends on a leadership that does not bow to political expediency. The mistakes of the past must not be repeated, and the hard-earned stability of Jammu and Kashmir must not be sacrificed for short-term political gains. Prime Minister Modi must ensure that the interests of the nation and its nationalist forces remain the highest priority.
[Kundan Kashmiri]
Kashmir watcher & President, Kashmiri Pandit Conference( KPC )–Mobile No 8802167955E –mail –kundankashmiri@gnail.com