Says 53 Dismissal of Sheikh Aimed at Altering Accession Terms
Asking New Delhi to shun its attitude of installing leadership as per its convenience in J&K, CP(I)M State secretary Mohammad Yousf Tarigami has said dislodging Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on Aug. 09, 1953 was aimed to merge the state completely with the union of India, against the terms of instrument of accession.
Barring the tribal raid and the division of the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir State, the episode of August 09, 1953 was not only one of the most tragic events in the history of J&K but had also such far reaching consequences that its ghost continues to haunt, not only J&K but the entire sub continent, Tarigami told KNS on Wednesday.
I feel that the episode of August 9 occurred as a result of acute struggle and tussle between Kashmirs aspiration to maintain its distinct identity and centres hegemonic passion for complete merger of the State with the Union. It was against the spirit of the Instrument of Accession as the instrument itself was the product of history and special geopolitical position of the State, added Tarigami.
He, however, said there might have been some dissent and controversies in regard to the centre-state relations and the broader political arrangement between New Delhi and Srinagar but according to Tarigami the dissent had to be accommodated and the options, other than the one chosen, looked for.
It was certainly lack of political acumen and complete disregard for the democratic rights of the people that a duly elected government was dislodged on flimsy grounds which amounted to conspiracy.
Tarigami said that there were people who subscribe to the view that controversies were there even in 1947. The centre rather than resolving these controversies exhibited lack of foresight by dismissing the popular government and arresting the tallest leader of the state, asserted MLA Kulgam.
Accusing New Delhi of attempting to dilute the sovereignty of the state, Tarigami said,
The end of autocracy ushered in thorough land reforms and debt relief, which helped the people to come out of abject poverty. It also granted sovereignty to the people of the State in all the internal matters as defined in the instrument of Accession. The achievement of sovereignty was the result of a long struggle and political process. As a mark of sovereignty the J&K got a distinct constituent assembly to draft its own constitution with in the union of India and decide its future course. He however was quick to add,
I believe that no authority except the constituent assembly could and should change the relationship that was established between the state and the centre in 1947.
Demanding the complete restoration of article 370, and revisiting Centre-state relationship, Tarigami said, The erosion of article 370 and the extension of central laws to the state has no constitutional validity. The tragic and short sighted action of 09 August 1953 is a glaring example of eroding democratic norms and constitutional sanctity.
I am of the firm opinion that unless we draw concrete lessons from the political bungling of 09 August, we cannot make headway in resolving the Kashmir issue and rid the state of the uncertainly, instability and confusion, asserted Tarigami.
Coming down heavily on New Delhi for what he called imposing leaders on the people in J&K, Tarigami said, Centre will have to shun the attitude which warns that any attempt to challenge New Delhis hegemonic approach will amount to political suicide. New Delhi should shed forever, its habit of sending out the same messages that only those who agree to play its henchmen in Kashmir will be allowed an effective political role.
Quoting A.G Nooranis lines The boulder that was thoughtlessly let loose from the top of a hill on 09 August 1953, wrecked havoc and continues to roll, Tarigami said that there must be full restoration of the article 370 and New Delhi should give up the business of Ministry making in Srinagar.
Replying to a question that there were speculations that even Left was also instrumental in dethroning Abdullah in 1953, Traigami said, There may be some truth in it and the fact remains that whosoever played a role in this undemocratic and anti people conspiracy did undoubtedly a great wrong to the common people, the state and the country at large. (KNS)
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