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| Strategic affairs experts oppose talks with Hurriyat | | Congress manifesto 2019 | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 4: It was on April 2 that the AICC president released his party manifesto for the crucial 2019 general elections. Ever since then, the Congress party has been facing criticism from various quarters and on several grounds. On the ground that it didn't say a word on the internally-displaced Kashmiri Hindus. Also on the ground that its election manifesto could lower the morale of the Army and other security forces. Besides, on the grounds that it proposed revocation of laws of sedition and AFSPA.
Not just this, the promise of the Congress to hold "unconditional" talks with Hurriyat to resolve the so-called Kashmir issue too has not gone down well with many strategic affairs experts. They have said that Hurriyat Conference was not a factor in the Kashmir situation and that there was the need to talk to the true representatives of civil society subject to the condition that the Indian Constitution would be the watch-word during the talks.
"The issue of talks with stakeholders is an easy point to state, but is rarely implemented in the wake of the dynamics of violence. Firstly, the Congress should have mentioned that it would seek a fresh and representative leadership among civil society with whom engagement could be undertaken. 'Talks with whom?' is the inevitable question that would be asked. With the Hurriyat Conference insignificant and the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front under embargo, the identification of new leadership is essential to take away the influence of United Jihad Council (UJC). Talks without pre-conditions could be welcome as long as the elements being engaged owe allegiance to the Indian Constitution and there is no demand for the inclusion of Pakistan anywhere within purview," they have opined.
They have also questioned the Congress' promise that it, if voted to power, will appoint 3 interlocutors who would talk to all stakeholders in J&K to ascertain their views on what could be done to resolve the issues in the state.
"The proposed appointment of three interlocutors is old wine. The last time they did some splendid work by engaging an array of stakeholders across the divide of Pir Panjal. However, for almost three years the report of the interlocutors remained in secrecy with the UPA government without being tabled in Parliament and with no discussion on it with the security forces or other major players. The interlocution phase created a ray of hope among the people and added to positivity. However, the Congress never took advantage of that fact to remain in touch with the people".
The upshot of their whole argument is that the idea of holding talks with Hurriyat should be eschewed. |
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