Take the initiative

THE RELEASE OF three Hurriyat leaders and the Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani's statement that the Centre is ready for talks with Kashmir militants are welcome developments. While the Centre and the State Government must continue to deal with the problem of militancy and terrorism in the Valley effectively, it is equally important to begin a fresh search for a political solution to the problems in Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Advani has been rather categorical that the Government is ready to hold talks with militants on ``every demand, legitimate or perverse, if they abandon the path of violence'' and so long as it is within the framework of the Constitution. The All-Party Hurriyat Conference finds it convenient to argue that the release of Mr. Syed Geelani, and two other senior leaders, comes under pressure from the international community, that too after the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton's visit. While most of these leaders have been at best cautious in responding to the Home Minister's offer, one view that is emerging from these developments is that the dialogue must involve all sections of opinion in Kashmir. That seems to be the best course available to the Government, instead of having to choose one group or leaving out another for extraneous reasons.

For some time now, the release of the Hurriyat leaders has been in the air. They were taken into custody ahead of the general elections last year, following a boycott call they issued to the people. Without prolonging the detention, the Centre has taken the first step in bridging the chasm. Some statements have emerged from the Hurriyat camp that both India and Pakistan must be involved in any dialogue to reach a settlement on the Kashmir issue. They must realise that there are no chances for such a tripartite negotiation. When the formal invitation goes out to the Hurriyat and the militant as well as political groups in Jammu and Kashmir, they must come with an open mind and look for a possible breakthrough. It is not going to be easy to reconcile the sharp differences, but it is unwise to remain a prisoner of the past. Unless a new beginning is made and all possible formulations brought to the table, it will not be possible to find a solution acceptable to all parties. Talks are bound to be protracted, if they really take off. For India, it is essential to initiate this dialogue and signal New Delhi's willingness to fulfill the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Normal life has been paralysed for too long because of militancy and terrorism.

Terrorism and violation of human rights are certain to be the main issues in the preliminary stage. If the Centre harps on the problem of cross-border terrorism and the need to stop supporting terrorists, the militant groups will doubtless focus on the violation of human rights and indiscriminate use of force by the security personnel. The recent killings in Anantnag, where exhumation of bodies has established that the victims were not militants involved in the Chattisinghpura massacre as claimed by the establishment, have revived this campaign against the security forces. It is important for the armed forces to show restraint, avoid excesses and stop harassing civilians, even as they go all out to get the terrorists who mix and mingle with the people. It is a difficult but essential exercise. The Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, must realise that he and his National Conference are not exactly at the top of the popularity chart and the administration must be more accessible to the people and responsive to their needs. If the fight against terrorism is to succeed, the Government must be able to take the people with it and isolate the militants. The people must realise that violence and terror do not solve problems. The wound has festered for too long and needs effective treatment, at least now.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Opinion
Next     : A crown of thorns