The Uses Of Treason

Thus, the widespread concern over voices which say "Give the Muslim Kashmiris what they seem to so insistently desire" is well-founded. But that does not mean that such voices from outside Kashmir are anti-national and deserve flogging. Their sudden eruption is a reflection of how awful things have become. The Muslims of the Valley are not just victims; and they are not completely blameless. "Pampered" is a word very much in vogue and taxpayers are justified in feeling that the hundreds of thousands of crores which have been poured into the Valley have been a waste in terms of winning the hearts and minds of the Valley’s population. Nevertheless, even if you outright reject the idea of azadi, the situation as it exists now cannot be allowed to fester. Outlook’s famous Arundhati Roy probably heads the list of anti-nationals (she has been called worse names), but her poignant and compelling essay last week reflects the alienation in the Valley.

So, what is the solution? For over a decade, the Centre and the state have been engaged in a dialogue whose sole purpose, from New Delhi’s point of view, has been procrastination or diluting the autonomy package so that it is devoid of "special state" status. The dialogue has been conspicuous for its lack of urgency and meaningful content. New Delhi seems to feel that if a viable solution is postponed long enough, fatigue will set in and the problem will just go away. Such wishful thinking is both delusional and dangerous. If people like Arundhati Roy and others can drive home that simple and obvious point, they will have done the country a big favour. Azadi or no azadi, short of secession we should discuss anything.