President of Patriots Forum, D.C. Nath was superannuated in January, 1995, as the Special Director, Intelligence Bureau, D.C. Nath (IPS-1960) was associated with the International Institute of Security and Safety Management (IISSM), headquartered in New Delhi, for over 14 years, first as the Executive President & CEO and then as the President & Director General, between February, 1997 and March, 2011. The author of a highly acclaimed book, Intelligence Imperatives for India, Mr. Nath earned high plaudits from all around for two of his very significant presentations on: “Revisiting the Future of India” (2005, London) and “Lessons from India for the War On Terrorism” (2007, USA). He is the only one in the field, combining the experiences of a police officer with specialization in intelligence and strategic analysis and an industrial security expert par excellence. More Bio on D. C. Nath…
OPINION>>>>
February 26, 2015
To
The Prime Minister,
Government of India,
New Delhi.
Subject: Kashmir Belongs To Indians
Manyabar Pradhan Mantriji,
Pronam,
We are before you today with an earnest submission of all-India significance regarding the situation evolving in Kashmir over attempted government formation there.
Manyabarji, we have read in the press that after several rounds of intense talks, PDP and BJP have now agreed upon on some issues—something like a common minimum programme in a coalition government, which it is going to be. This has been called, “Agenda of the Alliance”.
Though this Agenda has not been released yet, it is believed to be a 11-page document. According to print media, some difference on a few critical issues are yet to be ironed out and the PDP leader is due to call on you for this purpose.
Meanwhile, those supporting the proposed agreement are going ga ga on how beneficial this proposed coalition government will be for the State. Such as, this is going to be historic BJP in Kashmir government for the first time. There will be, again for the first time, representatives from the Jammu region in the government. All these will help all round development in the State.
The ambivalence remains on keeping the name of the ‘Hurriyat” in the agreement and the exact reference to what is agreed upon regarding the status of the AFPSA. One thing, we understand, has been conceded that the question of the status of Art. 370 of the Constitution will not been raised for the next six years, that is, for the full term of the current government, that is for six years.
Mahoday, before we make our submission on the subject, we want to draw your attention to some poor and incorrect projection made by your Minister (H P Chaudhary, MoS for Home) in Rajya Sabha on what Art. 370 is about. He says, “The Article is a device to continue the relationship of state of Jammu and Kasmir with the Union of India.” (“The Times Of India”, of February 26, 2015). As you will see, the Ministry’s/Minister’s understanding implies as if Jammu and Kashmir is an entity outside India.
Manyabarji, we would start our submission, by reiterating some basic facts as the background or:
i) Jammu and Kashmir is an inalienable and integral part of India;
ii) Kashmir has always been considered in history as the “Crown jewel” of India;
iii) In that sense, all Indians have a special stake in what would be the future of the State.
iv) That presupposes, the proposed Agenda for the Alliance cannot be only a deal for power-sharing between only the PDP and the BJP.
v) Indians from different parts of the country have shed blood for Kashmir & are still doing so.
Mahoday, we would, in this context, request/demand that
1. The proposed 11 point agreement be made public forthwith for scrutiny by the vox populi, that is, by all Indians who have shed blood to defend the “Crown Jewel”.
2. The BJP CANNOT agree to consign to cold storage the fate of Art. 370 for six years. Who have given such a mandate to the BJP in J&K against national demand for abrogation of this article? Is it because the BJP has become power hungry and given a go by to moral scruples & principles? In BJP’s agenda for the last year’s Parliamentary election, that was the demand.
3. In the absence of the details of the agreement, we do not know whether the proposed new government would have had any scheme for resettling, with due security provisions, the displaced Kashmiri Hindus, who are still living in camps outside the State. There are some representative organisations upholding their cause. It may be worthwhile to take them on board even at this stage instead of leaving them as uninterested onlookers. This will go towards strengthening the agreement.
4. If not there, the proposed agreement must start with clear commitment from both the PDP and the BJP that they have pledged themselves towards upholding the national security as well as the territorial integrity of India against continued aggression by Pakistan and open defiance of authority by the. Pak-aided separatists/militants, perpetually demanding separation and independence from India.
5. There are frequent demonstration of pro-Pakistani activity like hoisting of Pak/ISIS flags, displaying ISIS symbols and trampling of Indian national flags in Kashmir heartland. Let there be a pledge in the agreement that such anti-national activities would be suitably dealt with without failure.
6. The local Army Commander must be consulted before finalising any agreement regarding AFPSA.
Mahoday, it has been in the press that the PDP leader is due to call on you to put final stamp on the deal and hence the urgency of this submission, even though unwarrantedly.
The rationale behind our demand is: you are Prime Minister for India. Kashmir continues to be an inalienable and an integral part of India. It does not belong to either the PDP or the BJP or even to them together. Kashmir belongs to Hindusthan. Kashmir belongs to Bharatvarsh, that is, Bharat.
Yours sincerely,
D.C. Nath
(Former Spl. Director, IB)
(President, Patriots’ Forum)
Source: Patriot Forum
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