Autonomy For J&K Within The Constitution Is The Only Way Out

No one should forget that J&K enjoys a special status and needs to be given a special treatment by looking sympathetically into the SAC and RAC reports.

- COL DS Cheema

The by-elections of the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat in J&K has once again shown the real state of affairs in the State; with 8 killed and 7.14 per cent polling, it is one of the worst elections it has seen in past three decades. So much so that the Election Commission has been forced to defer the Anantnag bypoll which was on April 12 to May 25 as the law and order situation prevailing in the Valley is not conducive for holding free and fair elections. It has brought to focus the urgency of finding a solution to the complex problem so that continued bloodshed and loss of life of the misguided youth as well as that of the security forces can come to an end. It is apparent that both the sides are clear about each other’s position, yet are not prepared to blink due to their own compulsions. Over the years, successive State and Central governments have tried all kinds of permutations and combinations, including diluting the autonomy already granted, sometimes due to misplaced suspicions, but have unfortunately not found a lasting solution. Should the government at the Centre remain a silent spectator? Present situation calls for a bold initiative which majority in the country thinks that only a Prime Minister like Modi is capable of taking.