An open letter to PM Modi

Dear Prime Minister,

Subject: Reach Out to the People of Jammu & Kashmir, with an Inspiring Vision of Naya Kashmir

The people of J&K must be confused right now due to the recent and transformational constitutional changes. As they try and absorb the implications, you must seize this moment to articulate and shape a positive agenda and an aspirational narrative of Naya Kashmir. The silent majority need the right articulation, so that they can lend their voice and support to Naya Kashmir.

With your astute political antennae, you can understand this better than anyone else that this momentous moment is as much a contest of ideas as about politics or security. It’s a decisive moment that you must seize, lest a sullen silence or a negative narrative takes hold.

Just as you did recently in Bhutan, you can move and heal the hearts and minds of the Kashmiris with an inspiring vision of a Naya Kashmir, built on peace and prosperity which can fulfill the 21st century aspirations of its youth.

Urge the Kashmiri youth to shun the path of bullet and fight for peace instead. Remind them that the Terror War by Pakistan for 30 years now has only destroyed their lives and their beautiful land.

You may like to remind them that:

Peace will bring tourists

Peace will bring in prosperity

Peace will ensure fair and transparent elections to enable them to choose their new leaders and representatives.

Peace will bring economic growth and jobs.

Peace will bring sports and higher education.

 

Of Land and Kashmiriyat

Equally important, please address their apprehensions about people of other parts of India taking over their land. Such apprehensions are misplaced since land is a state subject and so their own elected representatives will decide about land laws.

Finally, please talk to them about Kashmiriyat, which they hold so dear and which they fear might get diluted in an integrated India.

Tell them that every part of India had its own “iyat.” Punjab-iyat, Bengal-iyat, Gujrat-iyat, Marathi-iyat, Assam-iyat. etc. Have any of these “iyats” got obliterated? No. In fact, each “iyat” has got enriched and grown to be appreciated pan-India. Similarly, Kashmir-iyat will flourish on a bigger canvas, not vanish. This, by the way, has happened in Pakistan, which became independent at the same time as we India. Punjabis dominate everywhere, including in the Army, the institution that matters the most in Pakistan. Other provinces like Sindh and Balochistan resent the Punjabis.

The example of Parsis is very illuminating. Tiny in number – less than 1 lakh — they not only live proudly and freely with their Parsi-iyat but also set a singular example for the rest of Indians to admire and appreciate.

Ghul milne se “iyat” badhti hai, zinda rehti hai. Kashmir-iyat bhi aur khilegi, desh bhar men jaani, pehchaani, sarahi jayegi.

Please speak to them today and remove their confusion before they feel neglected and grow despondent.

Put up the essence of your speech in bullet points on hoardings throughout the state.

Distribute it as a booklet through newspapers, etc.

Let it air on radio again and again.

Address their questions and concerns as a priority in Mann ki Baat.

Help them raise their sights towards their aspirations. Reassure them that Kashmiriyat, Jhamooriyat and Insaaniyat sab mazboot hongi. Saath saath hogi peace and prosperity. That is the vision of Naya Kashmir.

Seize the moment, Mr. Prime Minister, there is no time to lose.