Going through the letters in this column over the past two days, it appears ironic that people who live outside Jammu and Kashmir are predominantly the ones offering suggestions on Article 370. My request to them is to revisit the pages of history and examine the attitude of nationalist leaders.
The basic theme of the Article is the concept of self-governance, a provision that was diluted repeatedly by the political class, letting down the people in the process. Article 370 is a bridge in the Constitution that reflects the diversity in the subcontinent’s culture and history.
R.K. Bhat,
Zainakot, Srinagar
On such an issue, the majoritarian view cannot be thrust on an unwilling people. Our new rulers must patiently try and convince Kashmiris about the economic value and other benefits that would accrue to them post-abrogation. For this, Kashmiris must be convinced that along with their Kashmiriat they are an integral part of India.
Shahabuddin Nadeem,
Bangalore
It is strange that there has been no Kashmiri voice in this column. Identity and nationhood are highly emotive issues. What Kashmiris are worried about is alienation and a loss of identity. It is hard to codify and compartmentalise the complex issue of the Kashmiri identity. If Article 370 does give them a sense of security and identity, why wreck it?
Shivaprakash Yaragal,
Bijapur
There is no denying the fact that rabble-rousers in Delhi and Kashmir are using Article 370 to their political advantage. If Article 370 is abrogated, it must be with the prior consent of the State Assembly. The Centre has also to constitute a fresh Constituent Assembly, which will be a difficult task. The politics of stubbornness, intransigence and muscle-flexing will not work.
Abid Baba,
Baramulla, J&K
This refers to the report, “Tone down rhetoric on Article 370: Karan Singh” (May 31). There are more questions than answers. Did it indeed serve as a tool to link J&K with India? Are the people there drawing any benefits from it? What are the political aspects of Article 370? The reality is that it has made a mockery of secularism, nationalism, integrity and equality, the key ingredients of the Constitution while reviving the two-nation theory and separatist tendencies. Parliament has the right to abrogate this Article, which is a privilege and not a right.
Vipna Verma,
Shimla
Clause 3 of Article 370 is clear. Article 370 can be revoked only if a new Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir is convened and it is then willing to recommend the revocation. Of course, Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution to change this provision. But this could be subject to a judicial review which may well find that this clause is a basic feature of the relationship between the State and the Centre and cannot, therefore, be amended.
Sumit Ambade,
Pune
Article 370 it must be extended to all States. Drafted with farsightedness, it is the most logical provision to preserve the uniqueness of a province in relation to the Central government in a country as varied, diverse and contradictory in cultural, social and ethnic terms as India. Such a status for States will be the solution for them to develop and prosper on their own individual strengths.
Sham Sankar,
Thiruvananthapuram
