The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided to underplay its response to Kashmir-related developments. This is despite the whole nation being abuzz with the Modi government’s move to revoke Article 370, which gives special status to the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

Here are ten reasons why the RSS underplayed its response to the revocation of Article 370. 

First, the RSS does not want it to be projected as a victory of any particular political party or a community. The organisation feels that this should be projected as a victory of nationalists.

Second, the organisation is cautious that the RSS-baiters may seize this moment to build a counter-narrative based on Hindu-Muslim conflict. But the RSS is quite clear that this opportunity shouldn’t be hijacked.

Third, the RSS feels that major benefits would accrue to Ladakh due to these decisions. The decision to not have an Assembly there is to ensure that the there is no clash between ethnic groups from Kargil and Leh. Ladakh is strategically important, especially with China’s presence at the border. The decision to carve out Ladakh as a Union Territory will bring Ladakh directly under the Centre. This could bring much-awaited development to the region.

Fourth, the RSS is quite satisfied with the way the Modi-Shah duo has handled this contentious issue. There was an apprehension that this could snowball into a major international controversy, but the government has ensured there were no major hiccups at internal or external fronts.

Fifth, the RSS feels that there is no need to show unnecessary aggression. The developments on the Kashmir front are a victory of the national-thought process. Now an outreach effort should be made to get all stakeholders to come together. The beginning has been satisfactory as a number of political parties which were supposed to be on the other side of the fence have come around.

Sixth, the RSS feels that the Modi government’s Kashmir-related initiatives are more of the completion of an unfinished task. The task was to establish full sovereignty of the Constitution in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Seventh, the RSS is confident that the new proposed set-up would remove malgovernance, corruption and patronising of radical elements by a section of the political establishment. The organisation is hopeful that now, affirmative action can be taken for the welfare of women and the marginalised sections of the society. The marginalised sections of the society in Jammu-Kashmir have not been able to get jobs, reservation and education opportunities.

Eighth, the RSS feels that Jammu-Kashmir’s reorganisation would correct the regional imbalance. With Ladakh being made into a separate Union Territory, the number of seats in Jammu-Kashmir’s proposed new Assembly is likely to increase to around 114. The delimitation exercise—which is likely to take place soon—would ensure that the politics of the Valley doesn’t drive the agenda in the region. Now all stakeholders will have an equal stake in terms of electoral composition.

Ninth, the RSS feels that the problem of terrorism is largely confined to three-four districts in South Kashmir. With the reorganisation of the state and the display of a strong will by the government, terrorism can be tackled more effectively, and now a permanent solution to this long-pending problem can be found.

Tenth, the RSS is quite cautious that there is still a long way to go. A good beginning has been made, but there are sensibilities which shouldn’t be hurt unnecessarily. In a nutshell, the RSS feels that it is a time to wait and watch. That is why the organisation came out with only a two-line response saying, “We heartily welcome the government’s brave decision. This was very necessary for the interest of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir.” It urged everyone to leave behind narrow personal interests and political leanings on this occasion.

The organisation is likely to come out with a detailed response once the changes come into effect. This itself shows that in this moment of glory, the RSS has decided to take a backseat. Its only attempt is to bring together the many sections of stakeholders.