A recent book by a
Australian Christopher Snedden titled 'Kashmir :The Unwritten History' is a
attempt to distort the events in Kashmir in 1947. He has rejected the
historical invasion of the Kashmir
valley by the Pashtuns aided and abetted by Pakistan in 1947. Instead he
contends that the cause of Kashmir division was the result of rebellion
by the muslims in Poonch area against the Maharaja.
I do not think we should
give so much importance to a so called foreign Kashmir specialist Mr
Christopher Snedden whose facts and figures seems to be dubious and at variance
from established historical facts. It is a favourite hobby of foreigners to
meddle into Indian affairs and history so as to create obstacles for the Indian
state to function peacefully. The fact that Jinnah instructed a Pakistani
General to lead the Pashtun tribals is well known. The rape and loot of the
Kashmiris by the tribals is also well known. This armed attack by Pakistan in
the garb of a tribal raid prompted Maharaja Hari Singh to accede to India. Till
then a part of the Kashmir now known as POK was taken over by Pakistan.
Kashmir is now a integral
part of India and no negotiation is possible in its status. The fact is even
for plebiscite Pakistan will have to return to us the illegal occupied Kashmir
to us first. Regarding the hearts and minds of the Kashmiri people, too much is
made of their resentment against India. The fact is that Kashmiri people want
peace and prosperity more than independence. Everybody wants it. The people of
the valley know that democracy and a liberal plural society is much more better
than a Jihadi society such as which exist in Pakistan. They have already
rejected this option of merging with Pakistan. They can also not exist as a independent
state since it would come under Jihadi attack and conspiracies from Pakistan.
The Kashmiri culture is close to a secular mindset. To think that Kashmiris
have turned into terrorism mode due to one instance of Afzal Guru execution is
not prudent.
Regarding the option put
forward by the so called foreign specialist Mr Snedden of having a Panchyat
sort discussion by all the regions of Kashmir seems to me a day dreaming
exercise. This can never happen specially when Pakistan has practically annexed
POK and the Hindus and Buddhist would never agree to such a proposal. To my
mind the best solution is to remove section 370 giving special status to
Kashmir so as to merge it fully into India. Let Pakistan keep POK. After this
special protocols and treaties should be signed between India and Pakistan for
opening the borders in Kashmir so that the people can move freely as if it is
one state.
A.K.BUNDI
