Kashmiriyat only a poll Slogan?

People of Jammu and Kashmir proudly speak about Kashmiriyat and are happy to be associated with Kashmiriyat, creating a separate entity for them. During the merger of the state with India, they shut hard bargain and various pressure tactics got special status under Article 370. They have many special powers and can even overrule Supreme Court of India and bypass any resolutions made in parliament by the government of India.

Any state would be more than happy with such extraordinary powers. However, Kashmir people express their anger saying their kashmiriyat is insulted. But there is a general opinion that kashmiriyat is used only as a poll slogan by all the regional parties during the elections and conveniently collide with national parties to make huge bucks without working for the welfare of the people.

Had any party really worked for the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir people, then there wouldn't have been rise in terrorism and anti-India protests. Kashmiris due to backwardness got disillusioned and were attracted towards the nefarious designs of Pakistan and forgot the real meaning of Kashmiriyat which is spreading love and affection.

By Pramod Nandivada