J & K: Current Situation and the Way Forward

Chennai, 04th October 2020 | As a part of the new Experts Speak Series, The Peninsula Foundation (TPF) organized an interactive lecture on Jammu and Kashmir: Current Situation and the Way Forward as part of an ‘Expert Speaks’ Series on Sunday, 4th of October, 2020. The Lecture was delivered by Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak AVSM VSM, Independent Strategic Analyst and Distinguished Visiting Fellow at The Peninsula Foundation. Air Marshal M Matheswaran, Founder and President of TPF moderated the lecture and the discussion that followed.

Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak began with discussing the present state of Jammu & Kashmir. He traced the path of Kashmir’s history and how attached the people of the region were with one another. He opined that the abrogation of Article 370 is unconstitutional and has taken away the autonomy of the state granted by the Instrument of Accession signed in October 1947. He also pointed out that the revocation of Article 370 has immensely destroyed the State’s economy, especially the tourism sector. He further stressed the importance of restoring Statehood to Jammu & Kashmir.

He went on to discuss many important issues like cross border terrorism, the plight of the political prisoners, issues such as internet connectivity, the severe lockdown exacerbated by COVID-19 and so on. He concluded by urging the government to think of a larger strategy with a proper vision. He also asserted the need to create opportunities for the people and the importance of being people- centric at all stages. The lecture was followed by a question and answer session where the Air Vice Marshal interacted with the audience.