CM's plea for dialogue finds no takers

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 4: As the political crisis deepens in the valley of Kashmir in the wake of mass protests over a spate of civilian killings, chief minister, Omar Abdullah, is vociferously stressing the need for dialogue “to help resolve the issue”.

“We have been strong votaries of dialogue both internal as well as external to help resolve issues,” he said while addressing a meeting of prominent citizens and traders here.

After trading accusations over Mumbai 26/11, New Delhi and Islamabad had shown intention to talk on Kashmir, and even Hurriyat Conference (M), a conglomerate of separatist groups, had expressed willingness to be a part of the much-talked-about dialogue process, however, first the Machil expose and then the spate of civilian killings in the valley put the much anticipated dialogue process on backburner.

Political pundits believe that government of India (GoI) has a challenge before it to create an atmosphere conducive for dialogue.

“Atmosphere seems to have been vitiated. Hurriyat Conference (M), which could be involved in the dialogue process, would be under pressure,” said political analyst Prof Noor Ahmad Baba.

Baba, however, said that dialogue was the only way out in resolving the Kashmir problem.

“The current situation is a big reminder for GoI to start a dialogue process for addressing political issues,” he said.

Talking to Kashmir Times, chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said that talks and human rights violations could not go hand in hand.

“New Delhi is already aware about our stand. The problem is that India has been focusing only on governance and development and ignoring the main issue,” he said. “Kashmir is not a matter of good or bad governance.”

Mirwaiz said that New Delhi must create an atmosphere conducive for a sustained dialogue.

He, however, said that dialogue was not possible “unless and until bunkers and military camps are evacuated from towns and the city”.

Taking a dig at state government, Mirwaiz said that administrative changes would not help in changing the ground reality.

"The state governments are helpless. The onus is on New Delhi to come forward and create a favorable atmosphere for talks,” he said.

The Hurriyat (M) chairman said that all three parties to the dispute – New Delhi, Islamabad and Kashmiri leaders – should be involved in the dialogue process.

“We do not distinguish between internal and external dialogue,” he said. “We want all three parties to come on the table and resolve the problem.”

Pertinently, the chief minister had on June 2 obliquely asked separatist leaders to come forward to find a solution to the Kashmir problem and facilitate a dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad.

“We must work together to find a solution that can lead to a lasting peace in Jammu & Kashmir as per the aspirations of the people of this great land,” he had said.