In Srinagar speech, PM Modi ‘de-hyphenates’ J&K from Pak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech to a large gathering at Srinagar on Thursday was as remarkable for what he did not say as it was for his promise that the seeds of a naya (new) Jammu and Kashmir will grow to full fruition.

Modi’s remarks were bereft of any reference to terrorism, Pakistan or a renewed peace process with the neighbour. One explanation can be the advent of the electoral season which rules out such narratives. It stands to reason that Bharatiya Janata Party will flag the abrogation of J&K’s special status as a major achievement in the belief that the decision resonates with a wide section of voters.

The Prime Minister, however, offered a different perspective on Article 370, arguing the provision has stunted lives and minds in Kashmir. His interactions with people from J&K since becoming Prime Minister has strengthened his belief that many in the Valley do not see Article 370 as central to their concerns.

In April, 2003, on a visit to Srinagar, then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee offered a “hand of friendship” to Pakistan, and outlined a vision of “Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat, Insaniyat (Kashmiri sentiment, democracy and humanity).” Vajpayee’s outreach was prompted by his genuine concern for the sufferings of the people of J&K but neither his offer nor the efforts of his successor Manmohan Singh persuaded Pakistan to engage in meaningful and result-oriented engagement.

By eschewing any mention of Pakistan and terrorism, Modi effectively “de-hyphenated” J&K from relations with Pakistan, making it evident that the region is Indian business and there is no role for Islamabad. He was under no compulsion to speak of Pakistan and permit any suggestion that it was a factor that needed to be considered while discussing the future of J&K.

This is an important distinction that is much more than a political positioning. It is based on the belief that Kashmir and Kashmiris cannot be linked to Pakistan and terrorism. The radicalisation of sections in Kashmir needed to be attended by India alone. And removal of Article 370 is an important part of the solution allowing people of J&K to breathe freely. “This is the new Jammu and Kashmir we have been waiting for,” he said. Not once in his speech did Modi fail to mention Jammu and Kashmir together.

The Prime Minister did not shy away from speaking on the “sacrifice” of BJP icon Syama Prasad Mookerjee in the cause of integrating J&K with the rest of India, a reference not likely to go down well with Valley-based parties. An end to J&K’s special status and a commitment to development are not a contradiction. Rather one is a prerequisite for the other.

Does this mean the Modi government will not consider talks with Pakistan? This is not ruled out. Should the government be re-elected, a fresh start may be possible. But such a discussion would not only focus on terrorism, but recognise new ground realities that rule out a return stale formulations.

Kashmir and Kashmiris are no longer a bargaining chip between India and Pakistan.

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Rajeev Deshpande

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