Kashmir - Independence not an option

During the present crisis in Kashmir, surprisingly many public intellectuals have expressed forcefully their views on why Kashmir should be granted independence (or a plebiscite should be conducted, which in the current scenario, amounts to the same thing). From Swaminathan Aiyar to Arundhati Roy, from the logical to the hysterical, a lot of people seem to have given up on Kashmir. They try to present their analysis from different perspectives, some from the economic point of view (Vir Sanghvi), some from human rights (Aiyar) and some from no point of view (Arundhati Roy). Wow! As these redoubtable columnists must have reached these conclusions after due thought process, let me present what are the most likely outcomes if their wishes were to be granted (i.e. Independence to Kashmir or to any of its parts).

First major fallout would be that the sleeping separatist elements in India, the ULFA, the Maoists, the Bodos etc would all gain immense strength from such a division. Today Kashmir, tomorrow we may as well bid adieu to the India as we know of today.

Second, giving away Kashmir would, in no uncertain terms, increase the proximity of Pakistani threat to the rest of India. To understand this, one must appreciate that what is known as Kashmir valley is surrounded by rough terrain of mountains, valleys and jungles. This also makes the movement from the PoK to Kashmir dangerous for the miscreants. Giving Kashmir away or making it independent would be akin to Indian government building roads between the two Kashmirs, expressly for the terrorists. India would have a much more terrible time dealing with terrorism that it has now.

Third, there is a complete lack of any give n take option, when it comes to Kashmir. Suppose Pakistan had a piece of land in which India had some interest. Then, it might have made sense to barter one piece of land with another (quite common internationally for settling border disputes). But unfortunately or fortunately, there is no such situation here. So what exactly would be India's gains after giving in to the separatists demands. Nothing.

With all due respect to the intellectuals, they have got it completely wrong this time. Mood of people change and so will the mood in Kashmir. Separating Kashmir from India, because of any reason whatsoever, would be an extremely foolish step right now (I dont know how the situation unfolds in future).

Aiyar justifies giving independence to Kashmir on grounds of liberalism. This is an extremely narrow view. If being a liberal means giving people whatever they want, then anarchy would prevail in no time. Being a liberal only means respecting different opinions, debating about them but always, within the boundaries of law and the agreed constitution. Hoisting flags of Pakistan, degrading Indian constitution goes beyond the purview of liberalism. Yet, one can do all these things in India and get away. India has always been pluralistic. Lets stay that way.