A tender apology to the people of Kashmir.

An apology to the people of Kashmir and the way forward for the Union of India.

We’ve been unfair to the people of Kashmir since independence. We owe an apology to them for what they have gone through all these years and for our inability to provide them the same level of economic, political, cultutal and social status that our democracy bestows on all citizens of this country. My tender apology to all the Kashmiris who have suffered in whichever way for all these years while the establishment and the people of rest of this country failed to hold their hand and form a common cause with their struggle and miseries.

A political dialogue is required for a permanent solution of the Kashmir problem and that is in the interest of all, including India and Pakistan and in particular the people of Kashmir, on both sides of the border. For the Union of India, it is time we make some amends in our approach and thinking towards Kashmir and provide it all the amenities and priveleges which other states of the Union are enjoying since independence.

The union should consider bringing the State of Jammu and Kashmir at par with other States of the Union both on economic and social infrastructure fronts. A major thrust on physical infrastructure including (but not limited to) building world class roads, bridges, canals and waterways, airports, schools, colleges and hospitals, recreiation facilities and providing essential services like electricity, water, sanitation and other pheripheral services. The intangibles in terms of restoration of civil and local bodies, local administration and social sector schemes delivery mechanisms needs to be spruced up.

The people fo Kashmir have suffered and a NREGA kind of scheme which promises them guaranteed employment commensurate with their skills needs to be introduced. Provide them safe houses, hassle free public transport, pensions for the elderly, free education for the children, self employement for the youth, world class medical care and welcome industry and businesses in the state. Focus should shift on uplifting the economic profile of the both the people and the state of Kashmir. Government should consider setting up a free trade zone and SEZs with special economic benefits in the state. All businesses which employs 50 of more Kashmiris should be provided a tax holiday and preferential treatement in terms of tax waivers and low cost financiang be provided to SMEs and Cottage Industry.

Empower the people of Kashmir economically and provide them an environment which gives them a sense of belongingness with the Union of India. The problem of Kashmir will precipetate in thin air if the Union is able to deliver half of what is said in a secure environment. People would not mind the use of excessive force if that ensures them economic empowerment and a better living standard in a safe and secure state. Do you think Kashmiris would want not to side with the Union of India, if they are economically and scoailly empowered to be first grade citizens of this country? All talk of autonomy (even in the partial sense) and the thought of even the minutest of roles for Pakistan in Kashmir will send shivers down the spine of the citizens of Kashmir. The only worry at that stage would be to maintain the status quo and ensure high growth and opportunities for Kashmiris in Kashmir. Welcome Kashmiris in the mainstream and embrace them with love, compassion, respect and equality. Kashmir shall never be the same again. Long liveKashmir, long live it’s brave citizens.