Amit Shah Unveils Kashmir's Ancient Roots: Name Linked to Sage Kashyap

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the book "Through the Ages: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh" on Thursday, where he spoke about Kashmir's deep cultural roots and the historical significance of the region. He emphasized that the name Kashmir might have originated from the name of Sage Kashyap, highlighting that the region was the foundation of India's culture. Shah referenced Shankaracharya, the Silk Route, and Hemish Monastery, which he believes indicate that the roots of Indian civilization lie in Kashmir.

The Home Minister also praised the flourishing of Sufism, Buddhism, and various monasteries in Kashmir, stating that these cultures developed harmoniously in the region. He acknowledged the recognition of Kashmiri, Dogri, Balti, and Zanskar languages, and thanked Prime Minister Modi for ensuring that these languages were given official status. Shah noted that PM Modi’s vision was to preserve every small local language in Kashmir after its status changed to a Union Territory, emphasizing the importance of the region in India’s cultural fabric.

Addressing Historical Narratives and the Removal of Articles 370 and 35A

Amit Shah also addressed the historical narratives around Kashmir, asserting that it was time to move away from histories written to appease rulers. He explained that understanding India’s past required recognizing the facts that unite the country. Shah condemned the colonial attempts to erase India’s history, explaining that a false narrative had been propagated suggesting that India could never be united, and many people had accepted it. He stated, "Our history is thousands of years old. During colonial rule, efforts were made to erase this history, and a lie was spread that India was never united."

Shah further discussed the removal of Articles 370 and 35A, saying that these provisions had hindered Kashmir from becoming fully integrated with India. He remarked that even at the time of their inclusion in the Constitution, the public did not support them, and the Constituent Assembly had not endorsed the articles. Shah credited PM Modi’s strong resolve for the abrogation of these articles, which he said had led to the commencement of development in Kashmir and across India.

He pointed out that Article 370 had fostered separatism, which later fueled terrorism, and spread the false notion that the relationship between Kashmir and the rest of India was temporary. Shah declared, "After the abrogation of Article 370, terrorism decreased by 70%. PM Modi’s government has not only controlled terrorism but also dismantled the terrorist ecosystem."

Shah concluded by reaffirming that Kashmir, like the rest of India, is part of a 10,000-year-old cultural heritage. He reminded the audience that Kashmir's ties to India have never been in question, stating, "Attempts to separate Kashmir using laws were unsuccessful, and over time, those articles have been annulled. Kashmir will always remain an integral part of India."