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Veto the Vote ?

Since the accession of J&K to India in 1947, the citizens of J&K have longed for the government which is of the people, by the people and for the people. 

Its been 65 years but a state which is a part of the world's largest democracy has always experienced that their votes have been vetoed by the powers to be in Delhi.

The story begins with Lion of Kashmir - Sheikh Abdullah, whose great grandfather converted from being a Hindu Brahmin to Islam. He was a close and a trusted friend of Nehru. Unfortunately whenever Sheikh Abdullah was elected, Nehru not only dismissed his government but also put Sheikh under house arrest. A big part of Sheikh life's was spent behind bars. What Nehru did was a murder of democracy and makes a fitting case for human rights violation. Nehru shielded his often illegal actions under the garb of nationalism. 

Then comes the son, Farooq Abdullah and the story repeats with Rajiv Gandhi. In the 1980s Farooq was dismissed every time he was elected. 

People of J&K have for the last 60 years braved weather, bullets and threats to always come out and vote. Despite their courage and firm belief in democracy, all they got was autocracy from Delhi. Random decisions taken under the garb of protecting national interests. There was a time in the 1950s /60s that all of Congress candidate used to win un-elected as the returning officers would simply reject candidature of others...

They say that loyalty to the Nehru Gandhi family pays rich dividends.... the Abdullahs only got jail in return for their unflinching support. 

Coming to 2014 ... Jammu has voted for the BJP and the valley has voted largely for the PDP. 

Given the mandate, the central govt has 2 choices, to veto the vote or experiment. An experiment can lead to healing the wounds of 60 years......

There are a few missteps by PDP in releasing Masarat Alam, but again if the situation does go out of control, the Army can be given a free hand to do the needful...

The foundation of a nation will not be shaken by the release of one individual but if the experiment pays off... we would be completing the task started by Sardar Patel & Guru ji Golwalkar... the true integration of J&K.

-Viva






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