Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 8: Notwithstanding the fact that 24 security force personnel got killed by Pakistan backed militants in Kashmir this year alone, the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) has suddenly intensified its demand for talks with the hostile neighbour.
In the latest, after Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, her party spokesman and uncle Muhammad Sartaj Madni has pitched for dialogue with Pakistan.
Madni made this appeal while addressing a gathering in Jammu region. Expressing concern over the continuing disturbances on borders and incidents of violence in Kashmir valley, instead of bashing Pakistan, Madni said there was dire need for engage it in dialogue. The PDP Vice President said "peoples' urge for reconciliation and dialogue cannot be marred through any long arm tactics and people of the State need to be heard, both by New Delhi and Islamabad."
Addressing a public gathering in Poonch on April 7, Madni said: "Vajpayee and Musharaf governments broke the ice, even agreeing to soft borders and economic and cultural exchanges. It was then that people in the region in general and people of Jammu & Kashmir in particular gave their best to broker peace and settle for mutual cooperation, to resolve mutual disputes. Unfortunately, the peace moves did not sustain and confidence building vanished in the din of intransigence from either side."
Madni even took a dig at PM Narendra Modi, saying that assurances from ramparts of Red Fort on August 15 are losing essence as people of the state are yet to witness a concerted and sustainable initiative on political level which could engage stake holders in serious peace building.
A week ago on March 31, Mehbooba had made similar remarks. Asserting that "reconciliation is the mantra" for improving bilateral ties between India and Pakistan, she requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a dialogue process with the neighbouring country.
Observers say amid war like situation in the state, the BJP's silence on PDP initiating a hand of friendship towards Pakistan sounds like surrender of the nationalist party to uphold alliance.
"BJP has been silent over the pro Pakistan demands of the PDP and it suggests nothing but surrender," said a teacher at Jammu University.
He said the people of Jammu had not cast vote to BJP to surrender before Pakistani supporters.
Observers said the BJP should make its stand clear. |
