Bhopal, March 16 (Pervez Bari): A panel discussion on –“Kashmir Imbroglio: Need for Peace and Settlement” was organised by the Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union, (AMUSU), at the Kennedy Auditorium in AMU premises on Tuesday (March 15).
A Press release said that starting the discussion Dr. S. A. R. Geelani, who was falsely implicated in the case of terrorism but later released due to his non-involvement in terrorism, spoke at length on the issue of Kashmir by focusing on two major issues—disinformation campaign and human rights violations. He said that the Kashmir movement is not an Islamic campaign but for securing the rights of the people. It is neither against the Hindus nor against the country but for justice. He lamented on Indian media for giving a wrong picture of the situation and giving a communal colour. He cited various incidents in which people suffered humiliations and deaths. He said that the government is not sincere about integrating the people and urged the government to resolve the issue.
Mr. V. V. Rao, known Maoist social activist, criticised the forces of globalisation, imperialist forces and the government for ignoring the causes of the poor, weak and the suppressed people. He said that he has a great sympathy for the people for seeking justice and democratic rights.
Prof. Shaikh Shaukat Hussain from Kashmir gave the historical accounts of the issue. He said that Kashmir is in the midst of the nuclear powers—India, Pakistan and China and the territories of Kashmir are occupied by China and Pakistan. He said that the government should engage Pakistan and the Kashmiri leaders for resolving the issue.
Dr. Arshi Khan, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at AMU, said that the constitutional framework, the nature of Indian democracy and the social composition of the country empower all of us to raise questions over the incidents of violations of human rights and the problems in Kashmir. He said that India is not only a democracy but also federal with the world’s largest constitution which necessitates our serious concerns over this issue. He said that secessionism is the maximalist demand of the Kashmiris while there are other moderate demands for ‘self-rule’ and autonomy for Kashmir, the release stated.
Dr. Khan said that the Kashmir problem is the result of the violation of federalism under which the constitutional rights of the state have been violated. He talked about the problem of over-centralisation, centrist approach and encroachment over Article 370 have complicated the issue. He said that the Constitution of India has guaranteed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir but there have been series of legal interferences by the Union Government which usurped the autonomous character of the state. He said that over 260 Articles of the Constitution have been applied by the Centre which eroded the federal character in Centre’s relations with Kashmir.
He said that the most dangerous aspect of the political culture is the rise and expansion of the fascist and Hindutva forces which have created prejudices against the Muslims resulting in ignoring the settlement of the Kashmir problem. As a result, Indian democracy has turned into majoritarian and ethno-democracy, cultural nationalism and nation-state which defy the purpose of federalism. He referred to the State Autonomy Committee Report of 2000 adopted by the J & K Legislative Assembly and the Justice Saghir Committee Report of 2009 over the Working Committee set up by the Prime Minister of India during the Round-table Conference which need to be addressed by the Central Government. It is good to note that the PM has recently said to have realised the grievances of the people during his recent visit to Srinagar, said the release.
The President of the AMUSU at the end urged using wisdom for establishing peace and securing democratic rights of the people.
Meanwhile, at the outset, the Honorary Secretary of the AMUSU Mr. Amir Qutub in his opening remarks said that the AMU has been the most important platform to raise genuine concern for peace, justice and rights not only for the Muslims but also for very weaker sections. It has always raised concerns for the Muslims all over the world wherever injustice occurred, the release added. (pervezbari@eth.net)