Yesterday, Gautam Navlakha, a Human Rights activist who has been frequenting to J &K for the past two decades was denied entry into the state. Interestingly, Gautam, who has been vocal about atrocities committed by State Government on the commoners, was accompanied by a friend for trekking this time around. On the other hand, State government had prohibited entry to Gautam on the grounds that his arrival can trigger unrest and chaos in the erstwhile peaceful state. The occurrence of events has been quite uncanny. It is anniversary of Shopian tragedy and the accused in past, has quite vociferously criticized state government’s stance in the controversy. Obviously, Omar Abdullah, fresh from recent election win, never wanted it to turn ugly hence, decided to pull the plug ignoring the possible repercussions. Now being dubbed as desperate act of democratic despotism, J&K government should start thinking of a better story to justify their actions.
For Navlakha, clearly agitated by the detention, chose to vent out his ire against the Omar Abdullah and co. saying that the move has been backed by central government. In his words, the top honchos of J &K government are nothing but puppet heads. And the other end of strings is with Central government. Certainly, whatever be the intentions, the act has drawn flak from all opposition as well as from most of the quarters of the society. The issue has raised two important questions. First, anyone who has radical opinion about current political regime in J&K can be denied entry, even if it is a trip for personal reasons? Second, are the demons of Shopian tragedy still haunting the Central & State government? Interestingly, if this was an honest attempt to salvage the peace and harmony in the state, well then, it has now backfired. Of course, from a personal point of view, even I wish the state continues to enjoy years of peace and harmony but with current round of events, it is least likely to happen.
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