VASCO: Locals from Mormugao witnessed “Feel Good” effect after the historic decision taken by the BJP led government at the Centre by passing a Bill in Rajya Sabha to scrap Article 370 and 35 A from Jammu & Kashmir, giving it a status of an Union Territory.
Dattaprasad Shirgurkar, Assistant Lecturer, MES college Zuarinagar, opined that Article 370 was a temporary constitutional arrangement made with a presidential order while attempting to integrate Jammu and Kashmir in India.
It would treat Jammu and Kashmir as a separate political entity different from the other States of Indian Union”.
He said abolishing Article 370 and making Jammu and Kashmir an Union territory would make a similar constitutional arrangements like Delhi and Puducherry.
Jammu and Kashmir will have its own State Legislative Assembly but there would be a Lieutenant Governor who would enjoy discretionary powers pertaining to many affairs, especially law and order. Shirgurkar further mentioned that the local government would be left with minimum powers, leaving it a centrally administered province.
End of Article 35A and 370 also mean enjoyment of certain civil liberties to Indian citizens like buying property, settling down in Jammu and Kashmir, etc. “This would change the local demography. There would be a rapid influx of migrant population for economic opportunities which could also generate xenophobic tendencies,” he added.
Puja Patil, Student of Goa Engineering College and resident of Chicalim said that ‘abolishing Article 370, India has taken a next step towards development.’
“The direct effects of removing section 370 of Indian constitution will be that any person from outside Kashmir can purchase land in Kashmir. This means in this age of globalisation industrialists from other States will now be able to purchase land and start factories for manufacturing,” she analysed.
“The second effect will be that Kashmiri girls can now marry any Indian and still can be domicile of Kashmir. Pakistan was having a free hand to pamper separatists and anti-India elements. Now that this provision is removed, accession of Kashmir with India will become complete and pro-Pakistan elements will be defeated and terrorist attacks by Pakistan will now automatically stop,” Patil opined. “This landmark decision of government is a huge step towards the start of de-escalation of terrorism in Kashmir for India,” she cheered.
Vishram Gokhale, officer in a private Corporate company, resident of Magor Hill, mentioned that benefits of abrogation of Article 370 to Kashmir will be that Investments by hospitality and heavy industries will start in the region.
“Fast pace of development due to BOOT (build, own, operate & transfer) will take place. There will be end of high level of corruption in the governance,” said Gokhale.
He further said that employment opportunities would greatly enhance. There will be better healthcare and educational opportunities for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. “Another important thing that will take place is it will end monopoly of political dynasties and thus there would be practical democracy in the union territory. Exposure of rest of Indian to Jammu & Kashmir and vice-versa will happen,” Gokhale added.
Ganesh Lamani, a social worker from Zuarinagar, stated that the scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu & Kashmir is a historic decision and there won’t be several restrictions like the past. Jammu & Kashmir will be well governed by the Central government. “I feel there are positive vibes among Indian citizens with this decision,” he added.
Sankalp Mahale, Bogmalo-Chicolna Panch, opined that Kashmir issue which was simple then has now became complex.
“The aspirations of Kashmiris were never constant, the demands of separatist groups kept changing over time, the fantasy of Kashmiriyat claimed lives of our defence personnel. The frequent violence, stone pelting, constant curfews destroyed peace and growth opportunities of Kashmiri youths,” said Mahale.
He further mentioned that the abolition of Article 370 will make a path of development in the Valley.
“If you see the present development in a diplomatic angle then it sends a strong message to Pakistan, China and the USA. Pakistan, because it sponsors terrorism in the Valley and rants on Kashmir issue at every international forum. China, because it claims its right on the eastern Kashmir (Aksai Chin) and the USA because it defames our Prime Minister and seeks to interfere in our personal matter,” Mahale added.
“Finally all Kashmiris must get the due share in the growth story of India and therefore abolition of Article 370 was mandatory,” Sankalp stated.
