Jammu: The change of guard is set to become a watershed event in the history of Jammu and Kashmir as this is the first time that a person belonging to an area south of the mighty Pir Panjal will hold the post of Chief Minister.

In many ways this development will go a long way in developing the secular identities of the three regions in the State and for the time being end the frequent bouts of regional tensions that manifested themselves in regional and communal overtones even during the Mufti's three-year tenure. Besides the sanctity of the agreement between the People's Democratic Party and the Congress party over heading the Government for three years each, the argument of regional tensions was forcefully put forward for effecting the change.

Many people in the State trace the origin of the Kashmir problem to the regional conflict existing between Jammu and the Valley. Political factors were at the root of the problem and it needs to be solved through democratic and political means.

The problem started immediately after 1947-48 when monarchy came to an end and a transition of power took place from a Jammu-based ruler to the new political elite of the Valley. This transfer of power was far from smooth; in 1953, an agitation started in Jammu directed against the Valley's "hegemony," even unnerving the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who said: "for the first time, I am worried about the future of the State." These tensions have continued to recur at various critical times of the State's history thus widening the regional and communal gulf between the three regions of the State.

The change will satisfy the political aspirations of the people of Jammu, besides strengthening the secular identity of the region and making it a healthy link between the Valley and the rest of country.

Another interesting point is that even the State BJP leadership has welcomed the transfer of power, though the Congress is its archrival.

Expectations high

Shujaat Bukhari reports from Srinagar:

Not only did the political situation in the State take a different shape after the coalition Government headed by the Mufti took over in November 2002 but expectations also high on the peace process front.

As of now, Mr. Azad will have to further the agenda of peace and development for which the outgoing Chief Minister said the "base had been laid in three years."

Analysts believe that Mr. Azad will have to maintain a "fine balance" between Kashmir and New Delhi. It might be rather difficult for him to be more forceful in advocating talks with militants/ separatists or pursuing bigger issues such as the opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road as was done by his predecessor. "Obviously, it is not that difficult a situation for him," said Tahir Mohiuddin, editor of the mass circulated Urdu weekly Chattan. "He belongs to a national party and the Mufti is heading a regional party." The Mufti was acting as a buffer between New Delhi and the separatists. "Now the blame will be directly on New Delhi since Azad represents them here," he said.

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