Governor rule evokes memories of harsh 90’s in Kashmir

The imposition of governor’s rule in Jammu Kashmir by federal government has evoked criticism from all quarters.
While the pro-India political parties are busy in trading blame at each other, ordinary people are expressing concern over Delhi’s direct rule in the Jammu Kashmir.
Arshid Hussain Quraishi, a political analyst, says the governor’s rule is in the best interest of New Delhi. “Governor will now serve as an agent of the centre,” he said, “Being in power at the centre, the BJP would bring their agenda of Kashmir’s assimilation with India without any obstruction.”
Quraishi said even the demography of Kashmir can be under threat under governor’s rule.
Aijaz Rashid, a shopkeeper in Srinagar’s Sarai Balla, believes that the governor’s rule would be disastrous for Kashmir. “We witnessed a long spell of governor’s rule in nineties,” he said, “We know how we were terrorized by Jagmohan. Killings took place, people were mercilessly butchered. I hope history doesn’t repeat itself.”
Aijaz’s concern is echoed by many people who feel that the political crisis in Kashmir will be a throwback to the time early nineties when cold blooded killings were order of the day.
From 1990-96, Kashmir was put under Presidents’ rule after the resignation of the then chief minister Farooq Abdullah.
Jagmohan was appointed as the governor by the VP Singh-led government to contain the widespread anti-India protests that had erupted after the infamous elections of 1987, which were widely believed to be rigged and the subsequent eruption of armed insurgency.
The period is known for indiscriminate killings and long spells of curfews.
However, others believe it will prove beneficial for development work in the region.
“Going by the track record of governor’s rule, developmental works will definitely take off,” said Altaf Khan, a government teacher, “I feel it is better to be under governor’s rule than to be ruled by a bunch of people whose only objective is to make their own fortunes.”
Dr Sheikh Showkat Hussain, an academician, believes India can’t afford to impose governor’s rule in the region for long as it carries geopolitical ramifications.
“Now New Delhi can’t sell to the world that Kashmir has an elected government and it is ruled by local people,” said Dr Showkat, who heads Department of Law at Central University of Kashmir, said.
“Also, since Pakistan has once again intensified its international campaign vis-a-vis Kashmir, it has reemphasized the right of self-determination in Kashmir. So this situation doesn’t go well for New Delhi,” he said.
The decision to impose governor’s rule was taken after care-taker chief minister Omar Abdullah decided to step down on Thursday. More on Authint Mail

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