NEW DELHI: What is the significance of the recent administrative changes in Kashmir made by the Indian government? Political observers here are speculating about the likely fallout of the appointment of a military governor for the state Gen Krishna Rao instead of an intelligence services governor who made way for him. It is rumored that India is considering the possibility of carving out what could be called a Punditistan for Kashmiri Pundits who fled from the valley under threat from pro-freedom militants. A new district somewhere between Jammu and Kashmir will be setup where Kashmiri Pundits will be settled with military’s and police help. It is being suggested that the Pundits have a population of about 2 lakh. A consolidated district will make it possible for the Brahmans to represent themselves better in the politics of the turbulent state. The new district will have police force from Punjab to take care of the local law and order situation. It is felt that the police force in Punjab has become redundant after the calypso of the militancy and has become a liability for India. The force will be inducted in the valley to fight Muslim militancy under the overall command of the army. Also, certain other actions are also in the pipeline to make the new setup appear to be representative in character. The possibility of Farooq Abdullah being brought in as chief minister is on the cards.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 19, 1993
