The hallmark of New Delhi’s Kashmir policy has been to first create a ‘media hype’, even over trivial moves, and then never to go beyond. Over the years it has mastered this art of political gimmickry.  In the wake of worsening Kashmir situation after a gap of about three months a high level parliamentary delegation representing every important political party arrived in Srinagar. Notwithstanding skepticism about the visit amongst people in general and ‘dissenting’ state leadership in particular the visit had raised hopes. it was believed that even if not in a position to do much about the large political issue, it will help improve the overall ground situation in the State. The visit received a lot of attention and raised hopes in both Srinagar and New Delhi; hopes about the UPA government initiating moves for creating a favorable atmosphere to provide some relief to the beleaguered people of the State. The only outcome of this high profile visit was announcement of an eight point package. Despite the formula/ package finding not many takers in the State, it was seen as a step in the direction of creating an atmosphere for a serious and sustained dialogue to end the political uncertainty in the State; a condition that during past four months had seen deaths of one hundred and ten teenagers civilians, including school going children. The formula besides talking about appointment of interlocutors also promised of considering withdrawal of or amendment to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and advising the State Government to review the Disturbed Areas Act notification. The formula also spoke about asking the Unified Command to review the deployment of the security forces in Kashmir valley with reference to removing of bunkers and checkpoints in the summer capital. The Centre Government also advised the State Government to release students and youth detained for stone pelting and similar acts during the unrest and withdrawing of charges against them. The formula also called upon the State authorities to review the cases of all the political prisoners detained under Public Safety Act and releasing all those in police custody.  The ‘eight point’ formula is now almost one month old and so far not much has been done that would translate into changing the ground situation. So far the approach of the State authorities towards the package has not only been cosmetic but it also has been working at cross purposes. Instead of releasing those detained in various jails under Public Safety Act or in judicial and police custody it has been slapping PSA against more. The recent example in this regard has been detention of people in district Kupwara. The people including Peer Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, 65 - a retired government employee - have been arrested for creating law and problem only. It is no secret that police in various colonies in Srinagar and other towns has been carrying midnight swoops arresting school children. There are more than enough indications suggesting that the State administration is suffering of multiple islands of power not only in civil but even in police administration with every island behaving as a kingdom unto itself. Even the middle rung officers in the State administration live in the make believe world that he is a king unto himself. It has been for this reason that the Center’s eight point formula failed to take off. Instead of releasing the students and youth arrested for alleged stone pelting unconditionally the Home Department on Thursday ordered release of twelve youth detained under the PSA on parole with many conditions attached to their temporary freedom. To create a condition for the return of normalcy the Government should live up to promises made; and reign in the vested interests in administration that have been fattening on this uncertainty.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 IST