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- Flags divisive politics and merit erosion, seeks urgent government intervention
SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Thursday expressed serious concern over the growing narrative and political discourse demanding the separation of Jammu as a distinct state, warning that such moves could have far-reaching and dangerous consequences for the unity and social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
Yaseen said that attempts to project the division of Jammu and Kashmir as “impossible” mirror the same narrative that was built around Article 370 before its abrogation in 2019. “People were repeatedly told that Article 370 could not be touched, yet it was done. Today, a similar propaganda is being created regarding the separation of Jammu, and this raises serious apprehensions among the people,” he said.
He cautioned that continued silence or inaction by the government on this issue could compel people in Kashmir to think on similar lines and demand a separate, full-fledged state for Kashmir. “The government must reflect seriously on what is in the best interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has historically witnessed harmony, brotherhood and coexistence irrespective of caste, creed or religion,” Yaseen said.
The PDF president said Jammu and Kashmir has a rich political history and in the past enjoyed its own Constitution, flag and special status, which, he alleged, were systematically eroded by successive Central governments to serve their vested interests. He said Article 370 had remained the last constitutional safeguard for the people, but it too was abrogated in 2019 after a sustained campaign of misinformation.
Yaseen also expressed concern over statements by certain political parties and leaders advocating divisional or regional status for specific areas, saying such remarks have created doubts and uncertainty among the people of Kashmir. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always upheld the region’s composite, secular identity and have made immense sacrifices to preserve unity and brotherhood.
“Any attempt to divide the region on religious or regional lines will only deepen social and communal polarisation,” he warned. Terming the issue extremely sensitive, Yaseen urged the government to take immediate steps to curb divisive narratives and take action against those spreading propaganda about separating Jammu, cautioning that such moves would inevitably have repercussions for Kashmir as well.
He also raised serious concerns over the unresolved reservation policy, stating that it has adversely impacted the future of students and youth in the Kashmir Valley. With increasing recruitment and appointments, he said merit is being sidelined, leaving the youth disillusioned. “The government must address this issue urgently to ensure that the future of our youth is safeguarded,” he added.
