Young people seem to have accepted the central government's action in doing away with Kashmir's special status. A cross section of students and youth DC spoke to said equality was very well served and more of India is the same now that anyone can go to Kashmir and buy land and set up business, etc.
The politicians were far more predictable. Those in the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu were bound to support Centre's action in doing away with Article 370 by which Indian laws did not apply to J&K. The DMK was opposing the action tooth and nail as the party is pegged to the national party Congress and proved more loyal than their alliance partner in denouncing the Kashmir moves in one voice.
The actors play some role in shaping opinions in a State famous for film star politicians, many of whom have gone to become chief ministers. Even there, Kamal Haasan's opinion on the issue seemed to be less acceptable to the youth as some found it as being too political since the actor is blatantly opposed to anything that the BJP does.
Kamal was biting in his reaction to the Kasmir events saying on twitter - “The way in which article 370 and 35A was scrapped is a clear assault on democracy. Notwithstanding the ruling party's majority, it's fundamental that such a major decision is taken after putting up for discussion in the Parliament.”
Reacting to Kamal's stand on the abrogation of Article 370 being “Regressive and autocratic,” college student K. Arun, who is a debater, says that it is almost a pro-forma response. Kamal will oppose it just for the sake of opposing even if he has a a point regarding the genesis of the Articles applying to J&K.
“But then there was a time limit to the concessions made before the treaty of accession. Special conditions cannot go on for 70 years,” he argues. This is the major point that youngsters make about conditions to favour anyone at a particular time not being allowed to go on forever.
Equality is a greater principle and their thinking is pegged more to that. “How come no 'foreigner' can buy land in Kashmir while anyone walks into Tamil Nadu, buys land sets up industries and businesses and earn money and use it anywhere in the country,” he asks.
“Taking the point of genesis further, Kamal might also know that more Muslims stayed in India rather than listen to Md Jinnah and cross over to Pakistan. A Hindu king with Muslim subjects acceded. The fact is they chose to stay in India and they should abide by the same laws and live by the same rules as all Indians do,” says K. Vidya, a young student with a keen sense of history.
