RSS may go against J&K autonomy

The right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) may announce an action plan against the recommendations of justice Shagir Ahmed committee, which has advised an autonomous status for Jammu and Kashmir. A decision in this regard is expected at a meeting of top RSS officials to be held on January 20 in Mumbai.

The RSS’s student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), has already launched demonstrations all over the country against the committee’s recommendations. Once the parent organisation approves a movement on the issue, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will also throw in its hat with the ABVP. BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley has already criticised the recommendations.

Political observers believe that the committee report has handed over an opportunity to the rightists. “Last year, J&K was on fire over the Amarnath temple land issue, which united the Hindus in Jammu for the first time in the last 60 years. The BJP will try to use the report to expand its base in the region,” an observer said.

The RSS is in favour of trifurcation of J&K into Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. However, senior BJP leader LK Advani had opposed the trifurcation when he was the union home minister.

Meanwhile, ABVP chief Ajay Bhide said the student wing is gearing up to intensify its agitation over the report’s recommendation.