Anant Kumar Banerji to Dr Shabir Choudhry

Anant Kumar Banerji to Dr Shabir Choudhry [Official]

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Sir, to my mind you are the most unbiased, objective and rational analyst in the field. Though I don't agree with your future vision for the region yet am very sure that about history you are not only one of the most knowledgeable persons but have the courage to call a spade spade. I wonder if you have ever commented on the fact that in the initial years Nehru sincerely and honestly tried for a plebiscite. Though times again you emphasised Pakistan never recognised the right of Kashmiris to decide it for themselves. They wanted to usurp Kashmir lock stock and barrel. The amendment in which the options restrictions to 2 alternatives either India or Pakistan was forced is a case in point. They never commented on the observation of Shaukat Kashmiri that the amendment cannot discard the original option.

My request is that a detailed analytical note be made by you on the initial efforts of Nehru and how efforts were punctured .

Another aspect I believe has not been chronicled is the spontaneous uprise of the people of what to day is AJK. The paradox was the people rebelled against the feudal system yet joined what Sheikh Abdullah called feudal Pakistan. The rebels were largely the ex soldiers of Azad Hind Fauj, which again was a secular Indian nationalistic force yet they chose to side with Pakistan. Patel's desire to give Kashmir to Pakistan and his aversion to Azad Hind Fauj was that a strong factor?

I shall be much obliged if your scholarly comments on these 2 topics are made available.