Barbed wire is seen laid on a deserted road during restrictions in Srinagar, August 5, 2019. REUTERS/Danish Ismail
Barbed wire is seen laid on a deserted road during restrictions in Srinagar, August 5, 2019. REUTERS/Danish Ismail
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 5
The Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in New Delhi bulldozing its way in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has had the alarm bells ringing as far as the sanctity of the Indian Constitution was concerned.
A feeling of uneasiness gripped the air soon as reports pointed to New Delhi making an unprecedented political move in Kashmir circulated on social media late on August 4.
The reports played out today with the Home Minister Amit Shah making the seemingly unprecedented pronouncement in Parliament while a pall of gloom enveloped Jammu & Kashmir.
The Government of India replicating a similar tactic in the north-east - with states like Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya etc existing under the umbrella of special provisions of the Constitution or ‘Special Status’ – was not ruled out.
Nagaland state with its provisions guaranteed by Article 371(A) was clearly on tenterhooks with commentaries on social media replete with apprehension of a similar strategy being applied here.
Similar reactions were perceptible from people, whom The Morung Express reached out for comment on the development in J&K.
“We can view the prevailing situation of Jammu and Kashmir in so many different frames. I don't want to go much into the technicalities. But now the BJP-led Government seems to be working towards having a 'single India set’,” commented senior journalist Witoubou Newmai. According to him, a similar thing can also start happening in the Northeast region as well.
Advisor to the Naga Mothers’ Association Rosemary Dzüvichu described it as “bulldozing" the sanctity of the Constitution. “It is one of the saddest days in the history of Indian democracy. We are in solidarity with the Kashmiri community,” she said.
She said that Nagaland and Kashmir share similarities and that Nagaland could also face such a situation.
While other NE states also enjoy special Constitutional guarantees, she felt that Nagaland with Article 371(A) and with its political situation faces a greater threat as compared to other states in the region.
“We’re already reeling under AFSPA and there is the political situation (Indo-Naga peace talks). It is a crucial time for our leaders in the state government and the Naga National workers to ponder seriously.”
Tia Longchar, a social activist, said that if Articles 370 and 35A can go, Article 371A is also not safe. However, he added, “We have to wait and see whether they (GoI) will treat Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland within the same parameter.”
Taking into consideration the Indo-Naga talks and with Interlocutor RN Ravi as the Governor of Nagaland, he hoped that “a certain settlement would come and not forced upon.”
Another activist, who wished to be anonymous, regarded the development in J&K as “ominous” for a state like Nagaland.
“Who knows, Article 371(A) may be tinkered in some way or the Naga peace talks will be affected in such a manner that Nagas will not be satisfied.”
As far as the peace talks were concerned and the timing of Ravi’s installation as Governor, he said that if J&K is to taken as a yardstick, the GoI cannot perpetuate the process ceaselessly.
He theorized, “I think Ravi was brought in to placate the situation in the event of a ‘take it or leave it’ stalemate (talks).” He premised it on the perceived good rapport Ravi shares with the Nagas.
A senior leader of the NSCN (IM) said that GoI with its military strength would choose to impose its will to subdue dissent. “But if they choose to employ the same yardstick, what can we say but to stand by our (Naga) right.”
“We have the Framework Agreement. To us, any outcome will be based on it. We have stolen nothing from the GoI.” He wished that the GoI has the wisdom to opt for a peaceful and amicable settlement as has been agreed and signed.
