Ghulam Nabi Azad was initially reluctant to take over the reins of power in his beleaguered state of Jammu and Kashmir, for obvious reasons. But now he is saddled with a firm determination, not only to ferret out rampant corruption, but also to retrieve Kashmir from the clutches of the continuing morass of political degeneration and moral turpitude. Three months in office is too short a period to judge one’s efficiency on this hot seat. It is a Herculean task to stem the rot, which has got accumulated over the years, especially during militancy. He has at least set in motion a system of governance and accountability.

Ostensibly, his priorities are different as head of the Congress-People’s Democratic Party coalition government, than that of his predecessor, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The latter had held to his chest the cherished theme of ‘live and let live’ as an instrument of ‘peace’ with militants, mainly the Hizbul Mujahideen. He provided them the much-hyped ‘healing touch’ therapy. The ‘gentleman ‘(he has been so described by his daughter, PDP Chief Ms Mahbooba Mufti) hardly knew that this ‘live and let live’ policy was not going to pay him in the long run.

Was he unaware that the militants, and even his close associates, had been hatching a conspiracy of not allowing him to live longer than what they thought it was necessary? If so, then it is quite unfortunate. From abinitio, the Mufti had been chanting this slogan quite rapidly. Mahbooba had been visiting slain militants’ families to provide them succour. But ultimately, this ‘healing touch’ therapy boomeranged on the Muftis. It has proved disastrous for the state administration.

It is revealing that a PDP municipal councillor, Abdul Wahid Dar (since arrested) had masterminded a fidayeen attack on his own leader, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, in Srinagar on August 15 last year. Earlier, Dar had planned such suicide attacks twice. The Mufti had a providential escape because, as per intelligence reports, the official car provided by Dar, in which the fidayeen was travelling towards the Bakshi Stadium on the I-Day, was caught in a traffic jam. It is mind boggling that some Congress and National Conference legislators were also involved in such heinous acts. All because of the slackness shown during Mufti’s regime.

It is more astounding that a senior Kashmiri politician, Abdul Aziz Zargar, who continues to be a minister in Azad’s cabinet, had allegedly aided militants in planning attack on Akshardham in Gujarat. He was throughout a Congress leader till he joined the Mufti’s bandwagon on the eve of 2002 Assembly elections. He is also alleged to have backed militants, who had repeatedly attacked National Conference candidate Ms Sakina Itoo, during the poll. Following these allegations, Zargar had resigned, but Mufti rejected his offer. It was his policy to shield ministers and legislators who were in ‘sympathy’ with the militants.

Zargar was a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly and a signatory to the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. The nexus between militants and mainstream politicians has never been so extreme, even during the peak years of militancy. The political activists virtually entered into verbal agreements with the militants in a ‘live and let live’ policy. Militants were addressed as ‘brothers’ by the PDP. As a follow up of this mild policy, militants had helped several candidates during 2002 election. Zargar was the biggest beneficiary of this policy.

Some Congress and NC activists are linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba and other dreaded extremist organisations. Since there is now change of guard, the new administration led by Azad, has to change its tactics in dealing with the militants. There should be no let up. During the past three years, the former chief minister was soft towards militants, especially the Hizbul Mujahideen. They regrouped and regained their lost strength during this period and took advantage of his ‘live and let live’ policy. They used ‘this grand opportunity to regroup, re-strategize and restock their arsenal’, say high-sounding security officials. Mufti Sayeed, a former Union Home Minister in the V P Singh’s cabinet was repeatedly cautioned by the Centre.

Azad’s strategy seems to be different in dealing with militancy. He is not openly critical of his predecessor’s policy; yet, he maintains that militants are ‘killers; just killers’. He has made it known that talks cannot be held with gunmen.

Jammu and Kashmir is the second-most corrupt state after Bihar. The problem is inbred in Kashmir. Historians and travellers, who visited the valley centuries ago, have observed uncharitably that ‘Kashmiris are corrupt’. People do not pay taxes on one pretext or the other. Bills pertaining to electricity and water charges are tampered with. Azad has taken some steps to streamline administration. Such steps, though in the right direction, are scanty. Several officials have amassed crores of rupees. Azad needs to be admired for initiating a stupendous task, but he has to change the very basics for long-term measures to revamp the entire system of governance. The behavioural pattern of people has to change. The government ought to introduce incentives and disincentives for the purpose. If there is a will, there is a way. Mahatma Gandhi said: “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

It is a good augury that Azad has laid emphasis on work culture, which is non-existent in J&K. His emphasis is on corruption-free governance and removal of regional imbalances by equal distribution of planned funds to Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir. It seems to be a tall claim, but what he has planned should be seen to be implemented. He wants Jammu and Kashmir to stand on its own legs, in view of the fact that 95 per cent of the funds reach Srinagar from Delhi. He admits that people have yet to learn how to pay taxes. Central funds remain unutilised in the absence of advance planning. Azad can achieve what his predecessors could not, but he should undertake certain measures forcefully if he wants his state to be a model state, as was envisioned by Sheikh Abdullah.

His immediate task should be to close down madrassas, run by the Jamaat-e-Islami. These are breeding grounds for spreading terrorism. Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah had failed in this venture. The present crop of jehadis is only because of his indecision. Azad should stamp out corruption by equipping his government with stringent laws. The pilferage of electric power has to stop. This is the only state where theft of electricity is the highest resulting in power shortage.

There is plenty of snow in the valley and on the mountains of Jammu, but there is persistent water shortage. There is no water management. Given the modern technology, this problem can be tackled. Development of floriculture is another field of economic activity. Tremendous scope exists for export of flowers. Forests have been denuded. Afforestation is essential for the survival of future generations.

These are just some of the measures, which if implemented honestly with people’s cooperation, will remove garibi and other social ills of the state.

The author is Pune based journalist.

Courtesy : Syndicate Features

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