Should Kashmir be given to Pakistan? MPPSC question triggers row

Bhopal: A question asked in the preliminary examination of the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) over the highly vexed Kashmir issue has triggered a big controversy, evoking sharp reactions from the political quarters.

According to reports, the candidates were asked to answer whether “India should give Kashmir to Pakistan?  After this matter came to the fore, two officials from the commission who were involved in setting the paper, have been debarred.

The preliminary examination was conducted by MPPSC on June 19.

The questions that were asked to the examinees had four answer options followed by two arguments. The question was, should India decide to give Kashmir to Pakistan? Argument 1: yes, this will save a lot of money for India; argument 2: no, such a decision will increase more such demands. The four answer options were - (A) argument 1 strong, (B) argument 2 strong, (C) argument 1 and 2 both strong, (D) argument 1 and 2 both not strong.

When the matter of this controversial question came to light, MP Home Minister Narottam Mishra said, "The context of asking a disputed question related to Kashmir in MPPSC examination is objectionable. The paper setters who asked the controversial question were from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. They have been debarred by the PSC from preparing question papers in future."

He said the PSC and the Higher Education Department have been asked to take action against both while it has been announced that the paper setters have been debarred and no work should be given to them.

It may be noted that government has time and again maintained that Kashmir is and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India and has categorically rejected any comment, opinion or intervention from the outside world on Kashmir.