Articles by Balraj Puri

The interlocutors and task forces now at work in Jammu and Kashmir can come up with something useful only if they pay attention to regional aspirations and recommend measures to end grievances in the three regions of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh.

Pritam Singh, in his letter (EPW, 25 April 2009), has misunderstood my comments (EPW, 4 April 2009) on a word of caution against possible parochial tendencies in regional nationalism.

The editorial entitled “Stalemate in Bengal?” (EPW, 21 March 2009) identifies some important factors that explain the politics of the state. I would like to add that the sentiment of Bengali patriotism has also mattered in influencing the political behaviour of Bengalis.

The current agitation in Jammu and Kashmir is essentially a means of expression for pent-up regional grievances. While alienation in Kashmir seeks an outlet in secession, militancy or religious orthodoxy, in Jammu its traditional vents have been communalism or ultra- nationalism. Unless and until the aspirations of the three ethnically distinct regions of the state (Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh) are reconciled, there will always be pretexts for conflict. Even if the current tussle over land transfer in relation to the Amarnath pilgrimage is resolved, discontent over the lack of regional autonomy would seek other means of release in the near future.

The concept of "Azadi" in Kashmir has been misunderstood by those who are fighting for independence, misused by those who are swearing by autonomy and has not been implemented in its substantial meaning in Kashmir.