The Hindu : 'Need for talks on Kashmir'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 19, 2002

National

National

'Need for talks on Kashmir'

The conflict in Jammu and Kashmir has reached a mutually-hurting stalemate. Although India's military has not reached a state of fatigue like the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the country's political and diplomatic costs have touched the ceiling. It is essential that New Delhi and the militants engage in negotiations instead of extending the conflict on the ground, says the International Centre for Peace Initiatives, Mumbai.

Pakistan's policy, announced by its President, Pervez Musharraf, in January 2002 on renouncing the use of its territory in promoting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, provides a fresh opportunity. It is important that this policy is implemented sincerely. If indeed the policy is realised, then India should respond constructively by opening fresh dialogue with Pakistan.

Since the people of Jammu and Kashmir need emotional healing, the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and leaders from all parties should visit the valley regularly to address rallies and build a political and emotional rapport with the people, instead of relying on the soldiers to represent the State. Civil society groups from all over India should establish partnerships with individuals and groups in the State to launch constructive projects and, more important, to build relations with the Kashmiri people.

It is essential to take immediate steps towards addressing psychological traumas and develop local capacity among health professionals to treat psychiatric disorders. It is essential to give attention to rehabilitation of over 54,000 war-widows and almost one lakh children and orphans affected by violence.

Urgent steps are required for the resettlement of almost 3,50,000 internally-displaced persons and improving their health and educational support in refugee camps during the interim period. Dialogues for communal harmony are needed, requiring the participation of Muslims, Pandits, Buddhists, Gujjars, Dogras and the Pahadis.

Senior politicians and State officials should ensure speedy, equitable and efficient distribution of compensation packages to all victims of violence.

Considering the deficit of a civil society in Jammu and Kashmir, it is necessary to take quick steps to build civil society groups and develop leaderships at different levels. There is a need to create a credible database of socio-economic indicators to help plan future development.

An ambitious programme for training ex-militants in handicrafts, tourism, furniture-making, agro industries and other crafts should be launched.

A comprehensive action plan to disarm the militants and prevent the proliferation of light weapons should also be undertaken.

A train service from Jammu to Srinagar and a bus service from Srinagar to Muzaffarabad should be started.

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