Autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir: Appropriate Step for Peace and Development

By recommending in its report autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister's Working Group on center-state relations has triggered afresh the debate on this issue. The working group constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 25 May 2006 has taken three years to submit its report.

Confidence-Building Measures
The preceding working group teams had already put up their reports, on the basis of which steps were taken for confidence-building measures and the restoration of credibility in Jammu and Kashmir. Trade and traffic have been resumed from Kashmir to Pakistan. The recommendations made in these aspects have been implemented to bring about improvement in the government's performance through promotion of trade, and strengthening the economy of the two countries.
The demand for pre-1953 status in Jammu and Kashmir has been voiced repeatedly. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led National Conference has also advocated it. Nine years ago, the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly had adopted a resolution in support of this demand with two-thirds majority.

Objection Raised
The Government of India should not have any objection to grant of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir within the jurisdiction of sovereignty and the country's constitution. Under such sovereignty, issues pertaining to identity, boundary, and government performance can be deliberated upon. This working group has not made any concrete recommendation to strengthen center-state relations. Nonetheless, its suggestions indicate these relations can be promoted through grant of autonomous status to the state.
Peace, prosperity, and progress are the vital needs of Jammu and Kashmir. If, simultaneously with grant of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, development schemes can be implemented in an effective manner, only then can Pakistan-sponsored terrorism be countered readily. The fifth working group has left it to people of Jammu and Kashmir whether Article 370 of the Constitution providing for a special status to Jammu and Kashmir can be kept in force, and if so, for how long further?

Erosion of National Sovereignty
The entire country needs to perceive that granting autonomy does not imply erosion of national sovereignty. People of Jammu and Kashmir have already suffered huge loss of life and property due to terrorist violence. At this juncture, the general public of the state requires employment, security, and health services, because the state's economy is utterly shattered. There is a need for prudent planning through center-state coordination in respect of all these issues.
All regions of the state should be treated at par with each other in respect of their representation in the state's overall economic development. Here is the most appropriate time for both the central government and the state to take the required initiatives. Grievances of people of Jammu and Kashmir can be redressed through such initiatives for only through these steps can the path for permanent peace and prosperity be paved. Large-scale damage has been caused to traditional vocations of Jammu and Kashmir. There is urgent need for formulation of special plans for rehabilitation of these enterprises. Traffic and transportation should be promoted through improvement of infrastructure. The industry related to terrorism can be rehabilitated through strengthening road, rail, and air services. This will promote interaction between people of various parts of the country. On the whole, it should be ensured that autonomy is not reduced to mere paperwork.