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Bhopal: 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)
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