Why No RTI for Jammu & Kashmir?

World's largest democracy, that's how we know India. But is it really true? Unfortunately enough, Kashmir, the Paradise on Earth, happens to be one of the largest militant hub in India. The situation is so worse that people can not avail even the most basic of their rights and needs.

A premiere example being citizens in J&K still do not have access to the Right To Information Act. I'd say this is absolute Death of Democracy at the hands of the corrupt officials in the state. Let me acquaint you with some very harsh truths about the most beautiful state of our country.

Every year Centre issues a special sum of Rs. 275 crores for developments in the state, but thanks to the local government, not even a single leaf is turned in the region. Its a nexus of corrupt government officials, IAS officers and army personnel. All have their own shares in this managed colossal exploitation of man and resources.

The rate of growth of unemployment here is even higher than the growth of population in India and China. There are no jobs for the increasing number of graduates in the state. The recent protests by engineers there stands a true testimonial to the situation.

Fake Encounters are a frequent sight. Its not unusual for people to go missing for years together. In a recent incident the Police captured a person from a market and killed him in an encounter. His face was crushed badly. When the civilians forced a DNA test, he was found to be a normal civilian like you and me, and the Police claims he was a terrorist.

Increasing pressure by social activists in the region also had no effect in the administration. The central government says it can not do much for the state as it falls in the area of dispute (Indo-Pak).

"Kuch Karo... Agar Kashmir mein jaldi RTI nahin aya toh Khoon ki Nadiyan beh jaengi yahaan!", cried a social activist at the National Convention for RTI Activists held in Pune some time back.

Is there a way to solve this problem? YES. Indian Home Ministry has a special Jammu & Kashmir Cell. If this unit is approached by residents from all over India in the form of RTI applications requesting for the status of RTI in Jammu & Kashmir, may be some improvement could be expected.

Lets hope for Peace in the State !!!

Different states are like different rooms in a house called India. Wouldn't you do something to put off a fire in your brother's room?