From: "Pranawa C. Deshmukh"
Subject: Copy of Fax/dt.June-3-01/sent
to PM: J&K policy
Date: 04 June, 2001 6:33 PM
June 3, 2001
Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
To: Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
The Prime Minister of India
South Block, New Delhi, India-110
011.
SanMananiya Pradhan Mantriji:
We commend your continued efforts
to resolve the Jammu & Kashmir imbroglio. In this endeavor, we trust
that you will be guided by the following FACTS:
[1] Pakistan's Military Dictator
will have, very conveniently, NO control on Pakistan's Military disguised
as 'freedom-fighters' (nor on Talibans) who will continue brash terrorism
across the LoC even if UN were to recognize it as International Border.
Quick-fix solution cannot work. Partition of India did not solve the problem
in 1947 - partition of J&K also will not.
[2] The question of 'partition of
the J&K State' has never been a consideration in the Accession-Document,
nor in the UN-Resolutions.
[3] The UN Resolutions of 1948 and
1949 both categorically and explicitly require Pakistan to withdraw its
illegal entrants into the State as a pre-condition to plebiscite.
[4] Jinnah refused Plebiscite to
Gulam Md. Sadiq unless National Conference guaranteed that it would result
in Pakistan's favor. Pakistan's policy has always been to continually demand
plebiscite while not permitting it - TILL it altered sufficiently the demography
of the region through coercion. Pakistan has never respected public opinion,
and its present Military Dictator came to power by overthrowing Democratic
Government, as has been common practice in Pakistan.
[5] The possibility of 'Independent
J&K' was accommodated in the UN Resolution of Aug.13, 1948 through
an open reference to 'Future status of the State'. However, Pakistan has
never supported 'Azadi' to the people of J&K. Pakistan got the provision
of 'Independent J&K' REMOVED from the UN resolution of Jan.5, 1949.
The DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED assembly of the J&K State endorsed J&K's
Accession to India. This is enshrined in the J&K State Constitution
as a NON-AMENDABLE part ALREADY expressing the WILL of the people of J&K
that "the State of J&K is and shall remain an integral part of the
Union of India".
[6] India has a responsibility toward
the innocent people now staying in part of J&K, which is presently
occupied by Pakistan. We trust that you will take full note of the agonies
of the people in PoK [Internet News:
http://news.indiatoday.com/ntoday/newsarchives/100/12/1/n29.shtml#]
[7] The other quick-fix solution
in vogue ('autonomy') will also not work. The J&K State-Center relation
must be first brought on par with that of other States in the Union.
The 'autonomy discussion' must not be centered on J&K State. It can
be discussed only if and when ALL States require it for more effective
governance under a strong Union of India. So also, any talk about 'trifurcation',
separate Union-Territory status for Ladakh, 'Panun Kashmir' etc. before
the entire J&K State is integrated and secured in the Indian Union
is dangerous. We must not divide ourselves, even for administrative exigency,
before comprehensive integration of J&K State.
[8] For the J&K State to economically
and socially develop, the fundamental hindrance to human and material investment
in the State that is posed by Art.370 must be removed. However, if Article
370 is suddenly abrogated, there may be a backlash. This much desired and
much delayed step must be preceded by a massive awareness amongst the Muslims
of J&K (and also Rest-of-India) about the living conditions of Muslims
in 'Azad Kashmir', PoK, & in different provinces of Pakistan; and also
about the ill-treatment handed to Kashmiri and other Muslims of different
ethnic/social groups in Pakistan by the ruling elite in Pakistan who bleed
their own nation and ours for their personal wants (Reference: Letter dated
14-8-1951 to Dr. F. P. Graham, UN Representative from Ex-President Dr.Zakir
Hussain and other eminent Muslims).
[9] Very importantly, the Kashmiri
Hindus must be included in the consideration of solving the J&K tangle.
They must be credibly rehabilitated in their home State. Demographic rationalization
of the State of J&K holds the key to any long-term solution, and tangible
steps must be taken using attractive economic packages for all communities.
[10] The Resolution of the
Indian Parliament dated February 22, 1994, which is still in force must
not be forgotten. India's Union Minister for Defense and External Affairs
reiterated only recently that the WHOLE of J&K (i.e., inclusive of
PoK) is an integral part of India as recorded by Indian Parliament. We
commend this approach.
(http://www.hindustantimes.com/nonfram/280501/dtlnat53.asp)
Jammu and Kashmir is a national
heritage. It must be preserved as such for posterity. It is a historical,
cultural, legal, constitutional integral part of India. Its comprehensive
integration and development is our collective responsibility.
With warm regards,
Pranawa C. Deshmukh
Coordinator J&K Project,
Bharat Awareness Forum, Atlanta,
USA.
Letter, by Fax to: Prime Minister,
Shri A.B.Vajpayee:
91-11-301 9545 / 301 6857 / 301
- 9334
Copy, by Fax to: Home Minister Shri
L.K. Advani: 91
-11-378-2367 / 301 5750 / 301 7763
Copy, by Fax to: Task Force on Management
of Defense:
91 - 11 - 301 0950
Copy, by Fax to: HRD Minister, Shri
Murali Manohar
Joshi: 91 - 11 - 338 2365 / 371
1772
Copy, by e-mail, to select media.