The Myth of Kashmiriyat

LETTER TO INDIAN EXPRESS

 

DEAR SIR,

Reference “ Kashmir at the crossroads” – (TNIE-07 Jul).

The writer has stated : “The mishandling of the controversy has come as a setback,in the process further denting the idea of KASMIRIYAT – -“.

This ‘myth’ of Kashmiriyat is laughable. Here is a State, where an average Kashmiri gets ‘eight times’ more money from the Centre than citizens of other states.While per capita Central assistance to other states moved from Rs.576.24 in 1992-93 to Rs.1137 in 2000-01, that of the Kashmiri spiralled from Rs.3197 to Rs.8092. Is this what “Kashmiriyat” means? In simple terms “Freeloading at the expense of the Indian taxpayer”? Further if ‘Kashmiriyat’ is something very special, then can’t the other states of the Union have a similar right to their special culture and ethos?

The author’s snide remarks against the former Governor, Lt. Gen. S.K.Sinha is uncalled and unwarranted. One remembers the very same Governor being dubbed a ‘communalist’, because of his honest report to the President of India , as the then Governor of Assam, on the aspect of illegal migration of Bangladeshi Muslims into Assam. He had highlighted the disturbing ‘demographic changes’ taking place then, in certain districts of Assam . The Census 2001 proved the Governor correct!! In due course he’ll be proved right in the Amarnath controversy also. Much to the chargin of the ‘secular brigade’!!

VANDE MATARAM

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