Whether it is the Kashmir or Naga issue, it has to be understood by everyone—political parties, governments, security agencies, separatists, civil society—that things have become much more complicated and even difficult to resolve than say twenty to thirty years ago. In fact one can draw several parallels between the Kashmir and Naga political problem. Both have their origin before India’s independence, although the Kashmir movement after a lull resurfaced in the late 1980s. On the other hand the Naga political issue has been there since the early part of the 20th century and it remains unresolved to this day. There is no doubt that efforts have been made on both issues over the last few decades or so. However nothing has been achieved in terms of a permanent political settlement. Government of India in particular must realize that it cannot any longer attempt to use military power to crush these movements. The only way forward is to engage in a dialogue process. However the so called ceasefire and peace process should not be seen as an end in itself but rather as a means towards political resolution. Dragging its feet for too long can only complicate things further. There may come a time when it will become quite impossible to resolve the plethora of conflicts faced by the Indian State. It also makes sense for the Government of India to demonstrate the required political will to settle its problems sooner than later before the weight of its trouble crushes its aspiration to be an emerging world power in the true sense of the term.
To deal with the Kashmir and Naga issues, New Delhi will have to change its outlook from a status-power to an ‘enabling’ one. The political establishment in India should also be prepared for a ‘give and take’ approach. If at all lasting solution has to be found, Delhi should not be under the impression that this can be done without some reciprocity. And because the old mindset continues to prevail, our political parties continue to argue about ‘national interest and security’. A strong myth has been created that making compromises on these issues will be seen as ‘unpopular’ and ‘anti-national’. The argument can also be put forth that having these conflict situation or unresolved problem may well add to the security worry of the country. The internal threat from within could take its toll on the country’s well being. It is therefore in India’s self-interest to resolve these crises. This will include sacrifice on its part for the larger purpose of securing a future that vibrant, peaceful and prosperous.
As already reiterated several times in these columns a substantive political initiative is required to give confidence to large majority of Kashmiris whose legitimate aspiration is to live with honor and dignity. The Congress led UPA government has rightly taken on board all political parties to try and find a consensus. However given the ideological position especially of the main Opposition Party the BJP on the Kashmir issue, it is unlikely that the BJP will accept repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) or granting of more autonomy. If this is the case then the UPA government can no longer afford to let the status-quo prevail. In such a scenario, being the party in power, it should rally whatever support from the non-BJP parties and take an affirmative decision on AFSPA and autonomy. Remember what Kashmiris are demanding is not granting of autonomy but rather the restoration of it as originally envisaged in the Constitution as part of the instrument of accession. Autonomy is therefore not Azadi as the right wing BJP and other likeminded people think it is. It is very much within the ambit of the Indian constitution.
