Television provided two facets today on different channels, Arundhati Roy's sedition remarks and Kashmir ki Kali set somewhere in the 60's. The world has changed since the 60's.
I firmly believe that at the heart of all separatist movements, is the inability of the government to provide a reason to be part of the Union of India. Devoid of development, devoid of infrastructure, and devoid of a means of livelihood, there is reason enough for citizens to believe in a cause that is negative - separatism.
On a recent visit to Assam, the streets of Gauhati still resemble a B grade town in Haryana, if not worse. For a state capital, the infrastructure was poor, the roads shoddy and the people indifferent.While I haven't been able to visit Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh and the other Naxal affected states, I don't expect much difference in the state of the civil infrastructure.
While some may argue the case of Punjab, which despite being a rich, abundant and naturally gifted state, fell prey to separatism. However, the movement itself was short lived, primarily due to the fact that the belief and reason weren't strong enough.
In contrast take the case of Himachal, about 250 Km's north of Shimla and about 2.5 kilometers from the nearest road head, lies the village of Batseri, which can boast of street lighting, paved roads and a computer training center. Why does Himachal not want a separate country or independence?
Militancy has done to Kashmir, exactly what it set out to achieve, alienation from the union, Impoverishment of the population and strengthening of the negative belief. The army's been trying to do what it knows best - to rule by force...it hasn't worked thus far and chances are slim that it will. Maybe it is time for change and a new thought process.
My solution to the Kashmir problem and any other problem state ( read many) is very simple. Create a means of livelihood for its people- tourism could be one , importing something from the state could be another (it could be as simple as 'jam in a bottle' or a shawl). The capitalistic cause brings the development of roads and civil infrastructure. The development gives the people another means of livelihood and is a catalyst. Prosperity gives reason enough to believe in the country and the union.
One solution to all the problems: Real, Meaningful EDUCATION for all!
ReplyDeleteIts a typical chicken and egg story...not sure if education is really a 'need' in the face of abject poverty
ReplyDeleteMy point being, if people are really educated, they will make a better Kashmir for themselves, if they keep waiting for the government to do something magical for you, then… everybody knows what happens.
ReplyDeleteLocal folks need to be empowered in a way that in only education can.
Capitalism will definitely help, but without education, and again meaningful education, not the kind schools are doing today, the efforts will fall short. Education is the engine that can set development wheels in motion.
Look at MP, they had good money and they made huge investments in infrastructure, but without education most of that investment is already falling apart.
When they are educated, they will be creative, only then will they be able to understand Government, when its good and when its bad……