A change that hit federalism, inclusion

Context: Devolution of powers to J&K and promoting the democratic rights of the native people is the need of the hour.

Issues related to the integration of J&K with India:

• J&K stuck in a morass: The continued detention of political prisoners, shows that democratic rights are not even available to the voices that speak on behalf of the native people. 
• Refusal to integrate Kashmir within the framework of Indian democracy has proved to be the greatest block to Kashmir's emotional and political integration with the rest of India.
• Lack of democratic rights: Feeling of hopelessness and a threat to identity exacerbated by a political vacuum is further creating a breeding ground for militancy. 
• Asymmetry: J&K’s separate flag and Constitution within the Indian Union represented asymmetry which was the cause of the crisis since independence.

Way Forward:

• Devolution of powers within J&K: Devolution of political power from the Centre to J&K should be accompanied by the devolution of powers within J&K to reflect the former State’s divergent regional and ethnic urges. 
• Promoting democratic rights:  Need to provide more democratic rights to the people of J&K, so that they can feel a part of the Indian Union. 
• Respect for human rights should be a key component of the Kashmir policy. Because respecting human rights and upholding national interest go hand in hand. 
• Respecting asymmetry:  Asymmetry has strengthened the Indian Union and led to better policy implementation and participation in political processes. So this needs to be respected.
• Institutional reconciliation of differences among  various shades of diversity along with adequate federal checks and balances 
• The inclusive and accommodative idea of India: Need for multiple bridges between J&K and the rest of the country and among the various communities and regions of the former State.
• Multi-layered and institutionalized decentralization and respect for democratic rights for the people of J&K.