Jammu: Observing that flapping stance of chronic Article 370 bashers is admission of the reality that this constitutional proviso cannot be dispensed with, National Conference Provincial President Devender Singh Rana on Thursday said that hype over it is detrimental to the national interest. According to a statement issued to KNS, “Relationship of this state with rest of India is based on this irrevocable provision”, Rana said while addressing a seminar on ‘Impact of Article 370 on Jammu and Kashmir State’, organised by Universal Foundation, a non-governmental organization, here this afternoon. Among others, National Spokesperson of Bharatya Janata Party Meenakshi Lekhi, Prof Seema Nargotra and Sant Kumar participated in the seminar. President of the Foundation Dineshwar S Jamwal gave an introductory lecture on the topic.
Rana dwelt in length over the historical background and political significance of Article 370 with special reference to permanent residency law enacted by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927. He said that Article 370 can neither be scrapped, as is being day dreamed by some, nor amended. “This Article is permanent in character, which was even acknowledged by the statesman Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in his tenure as External Affairs Minister”, he said and referred to what he had replied to a question asked by a reporter. He said Mr Vajpayee was of the considered opinion that it was different to take a line on such sensitive issues while in the Opposition and quite contrary when in the government.
Without naming any party, the Provincial President said those perceiving that dispensing with Article 370 was necessary for the unity and integrity of the country were holding a superficial view with a sinister objective of hoodwinking public opinion. He said strengthening this provision is in best interests of the nation and any attempt to weaken it will only demolish the trust of people and constitutional bridge of relationship. He counselled cynics not to get bogged down by political myopism and see through reality with open mind. “Jammu and Kashmir has come out of dark tunnel with great struggle and instead of helping it to grow economically, efforts were being made to push the state to political uncertainty and chaos”, he said and warned peace inimical elements not to rake up frivolous issues with political intent.
Taking a dig at Meenakshi Lakhi, whose party has been demonstrating dithering stance on the issue, the Provincial President appreciated productive debate on Article 370, saying this will help in erasing unfounded apprehensions, whatsoever, and understanding this provision in its entirety. He dwelt upon the Instrument of Accession and the special circumstances under which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to democratic and secular India in terms of Article 370 of the Constitution.
Describing himself as a strong votary of the state subject law, Mr Rana termed it as a steel frame that stands guarantee for maintaining and preserving the special and distinct identity of three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. “This law is not exclusive domain of Jammu and Kashmir but the various other states of were also having similar laws”, he said while regretting that issues were only made when it comes to discussing Jammu and Kashmir. He sought to dispel the misinformation and misgivings about this law being favourable to any particular community and detrimental to others and said this serves the interests of every segment of society. “It was a conscious decision of the Maharaja to insulate the economic and other interests of Jammu and Kashmir”, he maintained.
Mr Rana made a fervent appeal to those holding contrary views on the special status of Jammu and Kashmir to shun political rigidity and understand realities of the State with open mind. He said Article 370 and state subject laws were necessary for political empowerment and economic emancipation of the people of this part of the country. (KNS)