Why Not Pakistani Currency Also Be Used In Kashmir?

INDIA occupying Kashmir, shamelessly militarizing that nation with an iron-hand, killing thousands and thousands of Muslims, including women and children, forbids the Kashmiris to have any cordial relationship with Pakistani, while it promotes the same with Indian politicians, media-persons and other “select” people who support the Indian case in Kashmir. Recently, Kashmiris have demanded their own currency as prelude to gaining sovereignty back from India but that was resented not only by New Delhi but, amazingly , by the pro-Indian Kashmiris in and outside Kashmir. Now a few politicians have raised the issue of using Pakistani currency along side the usual Indian money in Kashmir and, again, some people have opposed that as well.

Incidentally, it was PDP patron, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, former Indian Home Minister as well as former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir who, quite very late, has suggested that Pakistani currency should also be used in Kashmir along side the Indian ones. Surprisingly, the Pakistani currency notes and coins are not in use in Kashmir because the Indian government that has occupied Kashmi considers use of Pakistani currency illegal in Kashmir and only Indian currency is good enough there.

Surprising, because Indian currency is used at par with Bhutanese currency in Bhutan and used with more value in Nepal along side their own currency. This writer had the opportunity to tour both Nepal and Bhutan and has used Indian currency in these countries. In Nepal it has more value of about Indian rupees 5 for Nepalese rupees 8, whereas Indian money is at par with that of Bhutanese money. And in India in areas bordering these countries the same equilibrium is maintained. In both Bhutan and Nepal most of the goods sold in markets are made in India. Of course, India is the main supplier of arms and ammunitions to them.

One, therefore, fails to understand why Mufti’s practical suggestion should trigger off yet another controversy by proposing that the government should allow the currency of both India and Pakistan to be used in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian government should not hide the Bhutanese and Nepalese reality in currency matters in India.

Surprising again, because including even as Indian Home Minister, the Muslims holding high positions in Indian government are kept in dark about facts and what is happening in the country and around. The fact that Nepal and Bhutan have been following the multi-currency regime for quite a long time was not briefed to Mufti as Home minister of Indian government so that he does not consider following similar pattern of currency circulation in Kashmir. After all Indian majority rulers have to keep secrets from Home minister who is a Muslim and still claim to be democratic and secular.

One is shocked to read reports of discrepancy in Indian policy in different parts of India Kashmir should become a model for SAARC as well and currencies of both the countries should be used in the state. This logic should be extended to all SAARC countries without exceptions.

Of course Mufti as a politician has used this important aspect of mutual relationship between two neighboring nations as a poll campaign matters which is questioned by other political parties. National Conference President Omar Abdullah dismissed Mufti’s demand as a mere poll gimmick saying that it is nothing but a statement made keeping in mind the imminent state Assembly elections.

Until Kashmir has its own currency back and regain its sovereignty form the occupying India, the use of Pakistani and Indian currency in Kashmir should be practiced as that would enhance the cross border trade being aimed at by both the countries. Independent Kashmiri currency should be logical development of use of bi-national currency from India and Pakistan. Earlier this year Finance Minister and senior PDP leader Tairq Hameed Qarra had kicked up a row by stating that Jammu Kashmir should have its own currency. Later, under pressure from India and Kashmir government, Qarra distanced himself from the controversy by stating that he had said it in lighter vein. That is shameful on his part.

(DR.ABDUL RUFF Colachal is an analyst, researcher & commentator based in Delhi)