Guest Author: Maharaj Shah
What is the Government of India planning to do to counter the subversive political narrative being aggressively promoted by Kashmir-centric political parties? This is not merely a debate over the restoration of statehood or Articles 370 and 35A. It is an attempt to recreate the political atmosphere that, in the late 1980s, eventually culminated in terrorism, separatist violence, the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, and decades of instability.
The threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has not completely ended. Pakistan-backed terrorist infrastructure and radical networks continue to seek opportunities to revive violence whenever political instability or social unrest creates a conducive environment. Therefore, every political narrative that has the potential to deepen divisions or generate confrontation must be viewed with utmost seriousness.
The National Conference, the PDP, and the Congress must understand that electoral promises cannot be allowed to derail the larger objective of securing lasting peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir. Political competition is a legitimate part of democracy, but it must remain within the constitutional framework and should never become a means to reopen old wounds or create conditions that hostile forces can exploit.
The Government of India has consistently maintained that the question of restoring statehood will be considered at an appropriate time. That position must be guided by national security, constitutional governance, and the long-term interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not by political pressure or promises made during election campaigns.
At the same time, the Government must recognise that some of the most important issues arising from the conflict remain unresolved. The rehabilitation, resettlement, restitution of properties, and delivery of justice to the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community are still awaiting a comprehensive and lasting solution. These issues cannot remain secondary while political discourse revolves exclusively around statehood and constitutional provisions.
The priority today should be to consolidate peace, strengthen democratic institutions, accelerate economic development, generate employment, encourage investment, and ensure that terrorism never regains the space it once occupied. The hard-earned gains made over recent years must not be sacrificed for short-term political narratives.
Note: The Author, Mr Maharaj Shah, is a senior academician, writer, Producer, and Director who has held several distinguished faculty positions in media at leading educational Institutions and Universities. Views are personal
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