Kashmir’s Accession to India

The reports of the Basic Principles Committee and the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and Citizenship were adopted unanimously today by the Kashmir Constituent Assembly amid prolonged cheers.

Sixty out of the 75 members of the Assembly were present when the reports, in which two amendments had been made earlier, were put to vote.

Later, the President of the Assembly, Mr. G.M. Sadiq, adjourned the House to February 11 when the Drafting Committee will present its report.

Earlier, commending the reports, the Prime Minister, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed, said: “We irrevocably acceded to India more than six years ago and today we are only fulfilling the formalities of our unbreakable bonds with India.”

The Kashmir Premier declared : “We are laying the foundation of a new constitutional structure with the object of improving the social, economic and political aspirations of the people of the State with the closest co-operation and understanding of the Indian people.”

He said the recommendations guaranteed full internal autonomy to the people of the State, and “banished all uncertainty and feelings of insecurity.”

AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME

Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed said the reports of the two committees had been fully discussed and there was unanimity among all members that they contained an ambitious programme and reflected the desire of the people of the State to improve their lot.

“We placed these recommendations before the House with honesty and full responsibility after examining all the pros and cons because they intimately concern the structure of our Constitution and relationship with India.”

He deplored the fact that some members were not present in the House when a formal shape was being given to the “irrevocable decision we took in October, 1947, namely, accession to India.”

He said : “For the past six years we have ratified this step of accession from every housetop in the State Today we see our programme, which is the essence of our national struggle, being embodied in these recommendations. This step strengthens the State and cements the closest relationship with India.”

He quoted from the speeches of Sheikh Abdullah and Mirza Afzal Beg and said the recommendations of the two committees were fully in line with the views of the two detained leaders of the National Conference. Both had denounced the communal structure of Pakistan and fully supported Kashmir’s accession to India.

“Today we are not placing a new programme before you. It is the same which Sheikh Abdullah and Mirza Afzal Beg approved publicly from time to time.”

The Hindustan Times, 7 February 1954, NMML Microfilm Collection