Opium of religion and bullets of mistaken ‘shahadat’ have worn off in Kashmir Never before have the state government officials sworn by the Indian Constitution saving their loyalties for the Jammu & Kashmir’s constitution instead.

When first golden ray of the Sun kissed the terrorised land of Kashmir on November 26, the common populace were still struggling to forget their bloody past. The Constitution of India dawned upon Jammu and Kashmir on Nov 26. All institutions including the government offices read out the Preamble to the Constitution on the day, pledging to uphold the Fundamental Duties. November 26 has a unique historical significance as it was on this day in 1949 that the Constitution was adopted, and, thereafter, came into force on January 26, 1950, marking the beginning of the country as a Republic.

Never before have the state government officials sworn by the Indian Constitution saving their loyalties for the Jammu & Kashmir’s constitution instead. It was a sight going to etch deep in the memory of the people and turn a golden chapter in the political history. Having grown up under the long shadow of firing guns, the people have given themselves the Constitution of India. The Centre’s abrogation of Article 370 has ended the J&K’s constitution that had been in place since 1957.

“To acknowledge the contribution of the framers of the Constitution and sensitise people regarding the exalted values and the precepts enshrined in it, November 26 is being observed as Constitution Day. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution,” Additional Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), J&K, Subash C. Chhibber said in an order issued by the government.

“Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, heads of the departments and heads of all police formations ensured that all subordinate offices read out the Preamble along with the pledge,” Chhibber added.

The Government also introduced to the Union Territory of J&K a campaign on fundamental duties on November 26, as part of a nation-wide drive, that will culminate on April 14 next year on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and heads of all police formations are advised to chalk out month-wise calendar of activities to be undertaken.

India marked its 5th Constitution Day - a tribute to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the first Law Minister, who played a key role in the framing of the document on November 26. A practice that began four years ago, during the first term of the Narendra Modi government, it is celebrated on November 26 - the day the nation adopted its Constitution; it came into force on January 26, 1950. Earlier, November 26 was celebrated as National Law Day.
Ironically, the script of J&K’s tryst with newfound freedom was being also played out in a few buildings housing the Abdullahs and the Muftis. When the Jammu and Kashmir was sealing its integration with the rest of India, the three former Chief Ministers were separately cooling their heels within the four walls since early August.

Ironically, the script of J&K’s tryst with newfound freedom was being also played out in a few buildings housing the Abdullahs and the Muftis. When the Jammu and Kashmir was sealing its integration with the rest of India, the three former Chief Ministers were separately cooling their heels within the four walls since early August.

Seamless integration of the region with the Constitution of India has begun to cause the trigger free terrorists worries. Unable to see beyond their nose, the merchants of death across the border fired a few shots to scare away the people; but in vain. A new sapling of peace has sprouted from the graveyards changing the mindscape of the populace. Life is far too precious to sacrifice at the altar of an elusive cause. Opium of religion and bullets of mistaken ‘shahadat’ have worn off in Kashmir. Where the terrorists walked, the people have opened shops. Where the bullets were fired, the bells toll. Where the temples were desecrated, the devotees pray. The night, however long and dreadful, does last. A new dawn is upon the Jammu & Kashmir to promise a beautiful day.