Article 370 and aftershocks

Sir,
This is in reference to the article ” Article 370 and increase in Thefts and Drug intake” dated 26 June. The author has convincingly pointed out the real picture correlating the increased crimes position in the region with the abrogation of article 370. No doubt the abrogation of the article is a significant step for total integration of the erstwhile state with the Union of India but its adverse after effects are being felt in the region. Hardly any day passes when there is no news of burglary, theft or chain snatching in any area of the region. Drug menace especially among the teenagers and unemployed youth has reached the alarming position. The parents of these youth have become helpless. I think the author has missed one more aftershock that is the increase in suicide deaths. No doubt such incidents occurred before also but the spurt in such incidents is clearly visible after the abrogation. This may be on account of reason of distress faced by the youth due to unemployment. The employment avenues of the local youth have decreased due to the entry of outsiders who were otherwise not eligible earlier. One more aftereffect of the abrogation of the article is the increased number of Toll Plazas which are also increasing the charges frequently and abruptly. Moreover the people of the region remained disconnected with the public representatives for a considerable period of time.
The writer has rightly mentioned that the Dogras are a peaceful and culturally homogenous community and they take such crimes like theft as a sin. The change of demography may be the reason of increased crimes. It has also been mentioned that there is huge development after the abrogation of the article which is true. But it can’t be fully related with the abrogation of the article as we do not see any work related to the development which would not have been undertaken in the presence of the article 370. It only depends on the will of the government. The writer’s assertion is true that the abrogation of Article 370 was a watershed moment in the history of India but its aftershocks continue to be felt on the ground especially in the Jammu region.
D R Bhagat
Ekta Vihar Kunjwani

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