Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'J&K under President’s rule' that was published in Newsband

J&K under President’s rule

President’s rule has come into force in Jammu and Kashmir. President Ram Nath Kovind signed the proclamation paving the way for imposition of Central rule in the State. The state was placed under Governor’s rule on June 20 after the BJP withdrew support to the PDP government led by Mehbooba Mufti. The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision.

To be factual, there never ever was democracy in jnk, Kashmir valley in particular. There always was imposition of laws against the will and wish of Kashmiris on both sides of border. By repeating same formula again and again, the result will not change. Unless the perspectives move from micro to macro level, President Rule is neither a solution nor a saviour. Government should consider, besides psychological impact on Kashmiris, the true cost of tax payer money. Current Kashmir situation serves vested interests of few elite and powerful in this triangular battle.

Maybe imposing President Rule in J&K will give relief to innocent local civilians’ population in terms of peaceful environment to carry out their routine day to day activity related to carry out their education, trade, business and job activities in the Land of Paradise. But still, there is great need to apply healing touch to bring peace, unity and harmony in the Kashmir Valley. Hopefully, President may devise suitable mechanism with due cooperation and coordination of local prominent people to regress terrorism and bring normalcy.

President's Rule in J & K was the expected outcome. Vigilance of the highest order and preempting of internal strife and terrorism is the need of the hour.

Inability to form a single majority party in a democratic state will lead to unrest in the state. People of J&K will start losing faith in the government. President rule is not the permanent solution. Youth is already disturbed with unemployment and army. A stable government is needed in the state as various challenges are being faced by people of state. Besides security, law and order problem should also be addressed as early as possible.

The interference by outside powers like Pakistan and China is the main cause of the unrest in Kashmir. That has to be tackled by improving relations with those countries instead of confrontation. There is a different way also. Militancy in Sri Lanka was crushed with a heavy hand and same was done in Punjab. There is no reason it can't be done in Kashmir. What is needed is political will. That's all.