[Reader-list] Bhooka Nanga Hindustan

[V Ramaswamy]

Dear Friends

The reference to Bhooka Nanga Hindustan in the reports and discussion on the
Azadi convention in Delhi -

I have been trying to see and feel the many resonances and ramificiations of
this.

Of course Hindustan is Bhooka Nanga. So where does any Hindustani stand?

I have also been reminded of the events in Iran, 30 odd years ago, with the
return of Ayatollah Khomeni.

It is for Kashmiris to decide what kind of future they want, how to secure
and safeguard their freedoms, and have the opportunities for advancement.

The Indian state keeps saying Kashmir is an integral part of India. The
political parties all seem to function on the assumption that the people of
India will not accept anything other than this, and accuse one another of
being "soft". So it seems a protracted struggle and battle is inevitable,
with perpetual and mounting bloodshed.

Maybe if the people of India felt that Kashmiris should have the right to
self determination, then the political parties would be bound to follow the
people's verdict.

My hunch is that if a hyothetical survey was undertaken in India, the vast
majority would be indifferent / igorant, followed by a vocal minority that
said Kashmir had be in India, and a not insignificant proprotion saying
Kashmiris have the right to self-determination.

So if we want to stop the bloodshed in Kashmir - and the destruction of
public resources in securing Kashmir for India - then educating the Indian
public on the Kashmiris' right to self-determination, and the need for peace
and development in Kashmir and India seems the most effective path. That
would also remove what the state of Pakistan has consistently said is the
single issue between India and Pakistan.

Sincerely

V Ramaswamy
Calcutta