Kashmir is of great importance to the people of Hindusthan. It is the best resort of health and a unique and rare spot of beauty in whole of the world. Its fruit trade if properly developed and controlled will make us self sufficient in this direction.
For woolen goods, at this time we depend either on Europe or o the countries in the Middle East. Specialists of the trade are of opinion that Kashmir resources if properly harnessed will supply us with all requirements of wool.
Kashmir state comprising of hilly tracts of Laddakh, Gilgit, Kashmir valley Bhadervah etc. is a hidden treasure. Nature has invested it with unlimited rich mineral wealth. In free Hindusthan through the blessing of science Kashmir will be made Switzerland of Asia; nay, of the whole world.
The jungles of Kashmir are a nursery for rare teak and other durable and precious woods, not found in other parts of the country. Beside this they are the treasure of medicinal harbs. Big pharmaceutical works both of Ayurvedic and Alopathy can be erected, which will not only supply the need of the country but flood the foreign markets also.
Silk is the monopoly of Kashmir. Its production there can be increased to any amount we like. The invention of parachutes and its use in recent war has made silk a Military necessity. Without Kashmir we shall have to depend on some foreign country for this need.
All rivers of the Punjab and their tributories pass through this fortunate land. It is hoped if we endeavour and try to erect sufficient dams at suitable places unlimited electric energy can be produced through water falls at different places. This energy when utilised will change the face of the whole country. So cheap and easily available it will be that from Gilgit right to Calcutta it will supply all need of the populace.
Moreover Kashmir has vast space for the expansion of population. If industrialised, it can absorb crores of people.
Above all Kashmir has a historic importace too. Not a thousand years back it was a seat of Hindu culture and learning. At every step in Kashmir there lie our worship and a sacred place. If it goes, it will injure our feeling of pride and self respect.
From the military point of view Kashmir has great importance for Hindusthan. In a sentence we can say it is our advanced post to meet the invaders from Middle East or Central Asia. Its Geographical situation gives it a strategic position in the field of diplomacy and war. It is contiguous to Tibbet, China, USSR (through Russian Turkistan) Pakistan and Hindusthan. It has a direct approach to Afghanistan through Chitral and Swat and is connected to N.-WFP. through Baramula, Abbottabad (Hazara District) Road, with W Punjab through Kohala-Rawalpindi Road, Murpur-Jhelum passage, Bhinber Gujrat passage and Jammu-Sialkot Road and with E Punjab through Jammu-Katuha-Pathakont passage.
Establishment of Pakistan, a Muslim theocratic state on the Eastern border of Indian Union which has no natural defences and boundary on this side, has created a great danger to the Union and her inhabitants. Rice fertile lands of Hindusthan have always been a great attraction to the looters from north and West Kashmir is therefore a great asset to the North West defence.
The Inclusion of Kashmir state into the Indian Union will bring us the unflinching loyalty of the Dogra cdan, which is most warlike, intelligent and efficient in Military tactics and to which the present ruler of Kashmir belongs. The Dogras include in them Rajputs inhabiting the hilly tracts of the Himalayas beginning from the Simla Hill States right up to Mirpur and Rajori. This clan can provide more than two lacs of sturdy and efficient soldiers for the defence of Kashmir.
The Dogra troops have won great fame in both the world wars. They are the people who conquered Ladakh, Gilgit, Chitral and other parts of Kashmir State in olden days. They have been most successful in evacuating Hindu refugees from W Punjab and have gained good mane for efficiency and skill. Their loyalty will be an invaluable asset.
The ruler of Kashmir belogs to the Surva-dynasty of the Kshatriya, the most ancient and revered clan of the Rajputs. It was the dynesty which gave to the world Maryadaparshotam Ram, the great hero of Ramayana. We have no doubt that the Rajput States of Hindusthan in particular and vast Rajput masses well known for their chivalry will rise to the occasion for the defence of Kashmir and will render all help to the Government of India in driving out the free booters from Kashmir.
By Satyananda Shastri
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