Normalcy in J&K post Article 370 abrogation is forced, not organic: CM
The abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has been a topic of much debate and controversy. The decision, taken by the Centre, has led to a significant shift in the political landscape of the region. However, the normalcy that has been observed in J&K of late has been described by the former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, as “forced” rather than “organic”.
In a recent statement, Omar Abdullah said that the normalcy in the UT (Union Territory) following the abrogation of Article 370 was not organic, as claimed by the Centre. “If what is happening in J&K is organic, then nothing like it. If it is driven out of fear, then there’s a problem,” he said. “But I’ll hazard that people don’t believe it is organic,” he added.
Abdullah’s statement is a stark contrast to the claims made by the Centre, which has repeatedly asserted that the normalcy in J&K is a result of the people embracing the changed status and the economic benefits that have accrued to the region. However, Abdullah’s assertion that the normalcy is forced rather than organic suggests that the Centre’s claims may not be entirely accurate.
The normalcy in J&K has been marked by a significant reduction in violence and protests, which had been a hallmark of the region for several years. However, Abdullah’s statement suggests that this reduction in violence may not be a result of a genuine acceptance of the changed status quo, but rather a result of fear and intimidation.
The Centre has taken several steps to ensure normalcy in J&K, including the deployment of additional security forces, the lifting of restrictions on movement and communication, and the resumption of economic activities. However, Abdullah’s statement suggests that these steps may not be enough to ensure long-term normalcy in the region.
The forced normalcy in J&K has also been marked by a significant increase in the presence of security forces, which has led to allegations of human rights abuses and violations of fundamental freedoms. The Centre has repeatedly denied these allegations, but Abdullah’s statement suggests that the situation on the ground may be more complex than what is being portrayed.
The abrogation of Article 370 has also led to a significant change in the political landscape of J&K, with the Centre imposing several restrictions on the region’s political leaders and activists. Abdullah, who was the Chief Minister of J&K from 2009 to 2015, has been a vocal critic of the Centre’s decision and has been critical of the restrictions imposed on the region’s political leaders.
Abdullah’s statement is not the first time that he has raised concerns about the situation in J&K. In the past, he has accused the Centre of trying to suppress the people of J&K and of undermining the region’s autonomy. His statement is a reminder that the situation in J&K is complex and that the Centre’s claims about the normalcy in the region may not be entirely accurate.
In conclusion, the normalcy in J&K post Article 370 abrogation is forced, not organic. While the Centre has taken several steps to ensure normalcy in the region, Abdullah’s statement suggests that these steps may not be enough to ensure long-term normalcy. The situation in J&K is complex and requires a nuanced understanding of the issues involved.
