The statecraft that evolved post 2002 is clear that no Kashmir centric political party can be in power in J&K. Congress has emerged as an inevitable shareholder in governing India’s most sensitive state. Last time they were part of the PDP led alliance with clear stakes over half of the six year term. Now, it is NC’s ally and enjoying power with no accountability at all.
Since 2002 Congress has been instrumental in preventing the passage of certain legislations that harmed Kashmir interests. In Mufti Sayeed era, it was a bill aimed at correcting the course of the state subject law. Though the Muftis’ were initially bold enough to stand for the law and were eager to be seen opposing the Congress stand but eventually it did not happen.
Within six months of the NC led government, almost the same situation erupted. The party was supposed to protect decade’s old practice of recruiting manpower in three cadres, a tradition that was actually started by NC itself. A bill was drafted when Congress was in power. Barely a year after it was Congress that opposed it. And the pressure was so intense that NC felt safe in not insisting on passage of the bill. It could have managed its passage even without Congress but that would add to the trust deficit.
At a time when recession is hitting hard the job market within and outside India, the government job in unemployment-abundant J&K is the most sought after. In such a situation, if the youth see their rights being snatched away, it can actually contribute to the overall crisis.
Economy and the opportunities have remained linked to the problems throughout the world. The recent history of Kashmir follows the same track for the last more than 100 years. Major problems erupted simply because people in different regions felt they are being discriminated against. The blocking of the legislation is yet another milestone on this track.
Congress has been consistently insisting that they the party reposes enormous trust and faith in the leadership of Omar Abdullah. This was on full display when Omar announced to demit the office on moral grounds till proved innocent.
But it is not helping Omar. Everybody in Srinagar knows that it is Congress that enjoys the real power. If Congress wants to prove it wrong, it will have to give Omar some room to assert itself. Omar needs to be trusted literally. Or otherwise it will be seen as yet another effort of muzzling the regional voices.
