For the past week, Jammu and Kashmir has been rife with rumours of all sorts, ranging from Jammu being bestowed standalone statehood to New Delhi extending an olive branch to the mainstream political parties in the erstwhile state. But nothing has been confirmed yet. The rumours were fuelled by the arrival of new security forces in some districts, which police say are returning troops from recently poll-bound states. Liutenant t Governor Manoj Sinha has put to rest the rumours, but apprehensions remain. “We are not convinced,” says National Conference MP and retired justice Hasnain Masoodi. The people talk about the days before August 5, 2019, when then J&K governor Satya Pal Malik had ‘allayed public fears’ about the move to abrogate Article 370. “We can only hope and pray that there is no fresh experiment. I hope the denial issued by the L-G turns out to be true. That said, we are ready for any eventuality,” says Masoodi.
The fresh rumours put the focus back on the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), the five-party forum that is pushing for the restoration of J&K’s special status and statehood. Two partners, the People’s Conference led by Sajad Lone and the Congress, have exited the alliance, and it now includes the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), CPI(M), Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement and the Awami National Conference. The PAGD met at the Fairview residence of former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on June 9. The meeting came after six months but what surprised many was the softening stand of PAGD chief and NC patriarch Farooq Abdullah vis-à-vis the Centre.
This story is from the June 28, 2021 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 28, 2021 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Heart Stopper
Cushions with tales of beauty, serenity, art and nature
THE NIPPON NARRATIVE
Say konnichiwa to good design and sayōnara to bad aesthetics, as this apartment in Bangalore is a lesson in how to use Japanese design effectively
RURAL RESPLENDENCE
This second home in a small village in Uttar Pradesh brings to life the beauty and simplicity of locally sourced materials
Curves in the Right Places
Arches may be taking over interior design, but how and where you place them in your home can make or mar the look of the room
Marvels in Mud
Here's how this humble material is changing the way we look at eco-friendly homes in India
DESIGN FOR THE AGES
Five homes, five distinct design styles that help decode how to curate age-appropriate spaces
TAKE FIVE
FROM RUGS TO CUSHIONS, THESE DECOR PIECES WILL GIVE YOUR INTERIORS AN INSTANT MAKEOVER THIS SEASON
TRENDY TABLESCAPES
At the turn of the season, three fashion labels throw a soiree that is stylish, suave and sophisticated
WHILE THE SUN SHINES
Bathed in natural light, this bright and airy penthouse that happens to be actor Sushmita Sen's family home in Mumbai is a perfect example of spring-summer decor
RINSE AND SHINE
Turn the simple act of washing and drying clothes into an art