‘We are hopeful’

 

Abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories has completed the first anniversary.  The dictionary meaning of the anniversary is the date on which an event took place and as such it need not be a joyous occasion always. It can also be a time of solemn reflection. The actions preceding the August 5 event remain engraved in the memory of every single individual in Jammu and Kashmir. There is no point mentioning them one by one like snapping of all the means of communication including high-speed internet services about which hope was raised when Lieutenant Governor underlined that his administration has no objection to restoring it while emphasizing that it will not be a security concern.  However, the centre recently told the Supreme Court that it will ‘verify media report quoting LG’. Previously the centre submitted that a special committee, constituted as per the Court’s May 11 order to review internet restrictions in J&K, has decided against affording any relaxation to such curbs for the time being.

Hope remains important in Jammu and Kashmir context and it is hoped that the government’s approach towards J&K changes from a security-centric to one of political engagement that takes stock of the existing grievances and seeks to meaningfully address these.

One hopes that violence and suffering come to end once and for all. Hopefully, all political prisoners are released especially when covid-19 has already permeated through high-security walls of prisons.

The recent observations by the Top Court before parting with matter pertaining to the release of J&K High Court Bar Association President Mian Qayoom are also apt to be reproduced here.

“We must say that Kashmir has been a troubled area. Nature has been very kind to the place. It is the human race which has been unkind,” the court said underlining that it is time for all wounds to be healed. “We are sure that the Government will consider how to bring complete normalcy at the earliest, the court observed, adding, “Hope is something which creates the future and we are hopeful.”

It is hoped that the Government takes note of spirit and essence underlying the observations and take immediate steps in line with them.

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