A good beginning

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF a unilateral ceasefire by one of Jammu and Kashmir's most powerful militant groups, the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), brings with it both surprise and hope. Unfortunately, the HM's `chief commander', Mr. Abdul Majid Dar, has not been able to carry the other leading pro-Pakistan militant outfits with him in this move. Instead of going it alone, the Hizbul could have taken at least another group with it in this effort. Though the HM's decision was taken after extensive discussions at its recent conference in Muzaffarabad in PoK, some of the other leading militant groups such as the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and the Lashkar- e-Toiba have already rejected it outright and dissociated themselves from it. This could seriously undermine what appears to be well- thought-out strategy by the HM to give peace a chance by opening negotiations with the Government of India. The Hizbul must have taken a broader view of the recent developments, especially the possibility of an imminent dialogue between the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and the Centre. It must be remembered that the HM's offer came within a few days of the election of Mr. Abdul Ghani Bhat, president of another pro- Pakistan group, the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, as chairman of the APHC.

Mr. Dar's offer comes with a few conditions which on the face of it do not seem objectionable. He wants a cessation of the military offensive in the State against the militants; an end to all violations of human rights and the freedom for all political parties to express their views publicly. The Centre should have no difficulty in accepting these demands, even if some inflammatory speeches may be made. The Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba, the al Badr and the HM have emerged as the key players in the militant world of Kashmir since the early 1990s, functioning out of Pakistan and carrying out daring operations in Kashmir. Mr. Dar's emergence in downtown Srinagar to make this announcement marks a radical departure in the HM's approach to India and the search for a solution to the Kashmir issue. He spoke of the `craving for peace' and `popular feelings'. Instead of rejecting this approach, the other militant groups would be wise to stand by for now and see how the Hizbul fares in this bold venture. If only the Pakistan-based groups, who claim to represent the Kashmiris, heed the silent voice of the people, they could be working for peace. That peace can come only through negotiations, not by waging a ``holy war''.

The HM's olive branch fits into the Centre's current plan of initiating a comprehensive dialogue with political parties and militant groups in Kashmir to search for a political solution. The Hizbul offer speaks of a one-week deadline to ascertain New Delhi's initial response and the possibility of even extending the three-month ceasefire if any substantive talks can begin. The Centre must adopt a cautious but positive approach to this offer. While the Army, the intelligence agencies and the Kashmir Government can make their own independent assessment of the announcement and what lies behind it, the Centre must prepare the ground for a thorough-going dialogue on all aspects of the problem. There is always the hope that more militant groups will join the process, if it is seen to be making some headway. While talking to the National Conference, the Centre must not make it difficult for the Hurriyat, the HM, or any other party which is willing to join the dialogue. The Centre must evolve a process of informal consultations with all of them before launching a formal dialogue or round table. While talking to the Kashmir groups, the Government must keep the Opposition fully briefed about the developments so that a consensus could be built on both sides for a lasting solution and peace.

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