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Autonomy not to be NC poll plank: Farooq
By Shujaat Bukhari
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah, spoke to The Hindu in a 90-minute interview about the pros and cons of politics in the State. Excerpts:
Question: Has infiltration from across the border reduced after the measures announced by the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf?
Answer: I think the Army would be in a better position to know the exact position, but I have no such indication that it has ever come down. It is not the question of infiltration alone; you see on Sunday they fired and killed a boy in Suchetgarh. It does not augur well, they say something and do something else.
Do you think the Pakistan Government's steps will have an impact here?
Pakistan will have to mend its ways. It may not want to but it will be forced to. If it has to survive, then there is no way out for them but to kill this bug of terrorism, so that India and Pakistan work together towards modalities for peaceful co-existence. I do not think India will enter into any dialogue before this.
Conversion of the Line of Control into the International Border has been your favourite solution. To what extent is it acceptable to all parties?
I do not see any other hope. Pakistan is now trying to sell the idea of an independent Kashmir. Does it include the Northern Areas they have annexed, the portion which is with China? Does it mean the erstwhile state of the Maharaja or only the Kashmir Valley? This will not be acceptable. So if Gen. Musharraf shows the vision of Jinnah and Ataturk, then he should move in that direction.
What about the Hurriyat Conference's role in Kashmir?
I feel happy they are talking about elections now. They should come out and prove their claim that they are the true voice of Kashmiris. Let them face the people.
There have been demands for free and fair elections...
Look, elections will be held by the Election Commission and I have made it clear that whatever the number of observers they send, we have no objection. But one thing is very clear, no one will be allowed to use guns or force the people not to vote. I think New Delhi is also keen on more participation and they are trying to woo more people.
Should there be Governor's rule before the elections?
Why? When we came to power in 1996, we were not in power; the State was under Central rule. So who rigged the elections and when? Did not people from Bijbehara and Langate win on Opposition ticket in the last by-elections?
When are the elections likely to be held?
The cut-off date is before October. We have to see many factors. It depends upon the crop season, the nomads coming down from meadows and many other issues.
Pakistan's Kashmir Committee chief, Sardar Qayyum, has proposed to send teams to Delhi and Srinagar. What is your reaction?
I hope New Delhi will not mind. As far as Sardar Qayyum is concerned, he has supported all our moves and is opposed to terrorism. If anything is done for better relations, why should I have a problem?
Why has the K.C. Pant initiative not yielded much so far?
No, it has. You see statements from people such as Abdul Gani Lone, Shabir Shah and Mirwaiz Farooq on the elections. There is a definite shift in the stand of the separatists.
It seems your party, the National Conference, has lost track of the demand for autonomy. Why?
No, we have not. Discussions at various levels are on and it is not necessary to go to the press every time. I am of the firm opinion that it is the only solution to the problem.
Is autonomy going to be the National Conference's poll plank again?
No. Our achievements of six years, which have been overshadowed by political developments and bloody incidents, is what we are going to tell the people about. We do not believe in slogans alone.
What about regional autonomy? You promised to get it approved in the coming Assembly session.
I am afraid we cannot do it now as the implementation committee has sought more time for the final report.
The report on the Haigam firing incident has been submitted. What is going to be the follow-up?
I am yet to go through it. The Law Ministry is examining it and we will see what portion we can table in the House in the coming session.
You had expressed the desire to retire from politics after this term. Are you doing so or moving to New Delhi in a higher position.
I still stand by my intention. But I think I will contest the next election. As far as moving to Delhi is concerned, if an honour is bestowed upon me I will not shirk from taking up the responsibility. But I think there are many factors; whether the President will contest for the next term and the Vice-President too. But I am ready if chosen for that.
What about your post-retirement plans?
I am learning music and taking regular lessons.
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