The Home Minister Rajnath Singh has concluded his visit to Jammu and Kashmir. He reviewed the security situation, both along the border and the hinter land. The visit has a significance as it comes post Ramadhan cease fire declaration whereby security forces were asked not to go for the militants. What laid before HM in Kashmir is quite obvious. However, it will be watched with interest what he intends to put on the table to find a way ahead.
We expect HM to put a seal on series of moves Centre has initiated to see peace returning the Valley. He has gone through the report prepared by the security forces on the prevailing situation. The report, presumably, has positive indications which, if evaluated dispassionately and then acted upon with a little bit of imagination, should provide a foundation on which relationship of trust can be build on. Such relationship, based on regard for genuine problems of the people and respect for human rights, is a must for ensuring peace and tranquility in the State. It is encouraging to note, the report reveals that suspension of operations against the militants during Ramadhan has been ‘a great success.’ Security forces seek extension of truce beyond Ramadhan. According to the report ” the ceasefire has eased the hardships of the people and brought daily killings to a halt.”
Some may say anecdotal evidence suggests the opposite. It matters least how far does this report depict exact picture. What really matters is how do the security force see a scenario developing. We feel encouraged on the score. It is good omen that Army General is also talking of the possibility of extending truce after Ramadhan.
The security assessment comes at a time when young Kashmiris have started asking questions to the Hurriyat leader about the dichotomy in their politics and polices. This development may provide an opening to the Centre to initiate a dialogue with the Hurriyat which, too, has shown interest in such an engagement.
Home Minister was in Kashmir previous year, also, when he stressed on the utilization of 5 Cs to address the problem. He outlined them as : Compassion, Communication, Confidence, Co-existence and Consistency. Then, HM had seen `green shoots of peace’ in the Valley which gave him faith that ” the trees of peace had not dried up “. On his second visit it is incumbent on the HM to show regard for `Consistency’ and ensure the `greenery of the peace shoots’ turns evergreen. Or else, it will be reduced to a ‘Jumla.’
It appears that H M’s visit was to find ‘ right-minded people ” for initiation of peace talks. Mercifully, he has discarded the notion of `like-minded people’ being his interlocutors. It is not impossible to find the `right minded people’ in the state, provided we are clear about the definition. Anyone who yearns for peace and is ready to extend hand for its restoration fits into the definition of `right minded people’. Hurriyat leadership is now canvassing for peace ; they enjoy confidence of significant section of the populace. They squarely fall in the definition.
The Center’s interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma is in business for some time now, now. HM must have an audit of his work done so far and see whether his effort has helped the peace process to move on. Surly, interlocutor must be in position to find `right minded people’ in the separatist camp. HM should formally approach them. Their vacant seats around the peace table will render his refrain of talks with `like-minded people’ only a ‘Jumla ‘.
Kashmir should not be an election issue – nor a Party matter. Every political party has responsibility to relieve local population of the distress. The managers of the BJP must understand that progress of their party in Kashmir will depend on how the Central government redeems itself to the satisfaction of Valley’s populace.
Hurriyat leaders must hear signals coming from a common Kashmiri. While as they have much to explain for their policies and politics, it will be disastrous if there is a dip in their credibility among their followers. In their absence, there will be none to talk to. Hurriyat leaders should do something on their own to save the turf. They must come clear on the extent of their relationship with the gun wielding militants who seem to be unwilling to cede space to any one.
Modi government must bring peace to the Valley. No matter how much success PM notches up elsewhere in the mainland Kashmir will be the barometer of his success, or otherwise.
(B L Saraf is the Former Principal District & Sessions Judge)