End lockdown and work with new non-dynastic leadership in Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Alliance to centre

"The new leadership is ready in Kashmir. They could not come forward so far owing to the presence of the dynastic parties and politicians.  Following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A the central government now should work with the right kind of people for a new Kashmir as they talk about," said Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat, president of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Alliance (JKPA).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on Aug 5 in a historic step abrogated Articles 370 and 35A that had granted special power to the former state. The government bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir with an assembly and Ladakh without an assembly.

Article 35A of the Indian Constitution allowed the Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and also provided special rights and privileges to those permanent residents. Article 370 allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution, flag and right to handle its own laws except on matters that impact national security.

Bhat said in the new situation arising out of the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A that had granted special status to Kashmir,  the central government now should work with the right kind of people for a new Kashmir  they talk about.

"The lockdown in Kashmir affects those who are shop owners and those who are in hand to mouth existence. For the government employees it is not so bad. We should try to end it and create a normal situation. Article 370 or 35A come and go," he said.

Concerned about the education of Kashmiris, he said "our children will lose out in the competitions nationwide if this continues."

"So we should think about it and try to end it (restrictions) as soon as possible. I think the government acted from its experiences of the turmoil in 2008, 2010 and 2016 during the killing of Burhan Wani," he said, admitting that a historic step of the government was taken and but for over fifty days since Article 370 was scrapped there was no firing or death from any unrest.

"All political leaders of Kashmir who were ruling the state are under arrest. Good they are under arrest as they were sailing on two boats and now the government should do something to find good people for leadership in Kashmir," Bhat said.

Several Kashmir leaders including former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers- Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti- have been kept under detention.  

"Everyone in Kashmir wants security, livelihood. The government has to win the hearts of Kashmiris. From 1947 onwards Kashmir was exploited by the Muftis and Abdullahs. Very little money was spent on the ground. 98 precent of the money went to the pocket of the leaders who ruled Kashmir," he said.

"Where did all the money meant for development work go? Were these leaders parachuters or grass rooters? Even the state had a finance minister who is only tenth pass," he said.

"Now India should embrace Kashmir and treat the people with respect they deserve," he said.