The report by the interlocutors appointed by the Centre to look into the J&K issue, expected any time now, is likely to fuel the autonomy debate within the state.
It is learnt that interlocutors Dileep Padgaonkar, Radha Kumar and M M Ansari have recommended a debate within the state on autonomy and whether it has seen an erosion after 1952. From the change in the nomenclature of heads of state ? Wazir-e-Azam and Sadr-e-Riyasat ? to the process of picking a governor and provisions of Article 356 are all set to be thrown open for discussion.
At the same time, the interlocutors will stay clear of the more divisive demands such as trifurcation of the state, abolition of Article 370 (concerning the special status of J&K) and Azadi.
The interlocutors will suggest that just as it expects the state to abjure political and other violence, the Centre must also respect the terms under which Kashmir historically agreed to accede to India, including special treatment to its citizens.
Sources close to the team say it is likely to recommend that all areas in the state which are seen to be symptomatic of the erosion of its autonomy post-1953 be open for discussion. If there is a consensus for a review in these areas, the team believes, the same should be considered if it helps improve the state?s self-esteem.
These five areas are:
a) Change in nomenclature of heads of state ? from Wazir-e-Azam to Chief Minister, and Sadr-e-Riyasat to Governor. Wazir-e-Azam, incidentally, implies PM; a CM would be referred to as Wazir-e-Aala.
b) The change in governor?s nomenclature being decided in Delhi.
c) The state that used to have its own Election Commission coming under the control of one central EC.
d) Similarly, powers of the Supreme Court and Comptroller and Auditor General extending to J&K.
e) Article 356 being made applicable in the state.
The team is likely to strongly emphasise protection of human rights, with explicit safeguarding of the peaceful right to protest.
While the team is likely to recommend a unified state, and not call for any administrative redrawing of the state?s map, there will be wide-ranging recommendations making provisions for regional autonomy, and autonomy further down the line in each of the regions.
The report would call for special care and provisions to protect the state?s minorities, including the Bakerwals, Gurjjars, Hindu Pandits, Sikhs and Shias.
