EARLY TIMES REPORT
Jammu, Mar 14: Even as National Conference preferred silence over “secret talks” between the former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah and former RAW chief AS Dulat in Srinagar in February, the ex spymaster’s visit to Gupkar residence of the NC patron seems to have “changed the fortunes” for the oldest regional party in Kashmir.
While the decision to release Dr Abdullah, who is also a Parliamentarian, looks like a sudden decision from the side of the government, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Sources said the backchannel diplomacies were already underway and that some of the leaders in the opposition including Yashwant Sinha were aware about the prospective release of Dr Abdullah.
In a sudden move, on March 9, the Opposition parties at the national level demanded immediate release of all political detainees in Jammu and Kashmir, especially three former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti.
“There are growing assaults on democratic norms, fundamental rights and civic liberties of citizens,” a joint statement by Opposition leaders said. “As a result, dissent is not only being stifled, but the avenues of raising critical voices are also being systematically muted.”
The opposition leaders including some veteran Parliamentarians, said, “There is nothing in the past records of these three leaders to lend credence to the Modi government’s false and self-serving claim that they pose a threat to ‘public safety’ in J&K or that they have endangered national interests with their activities,” they added.
Two days later, the National Conference welcomed the demand as made by the Opposition. "We welcome the move. It is good to hear saner voices come forward and seek the resumption of political activities and release of all incarcerated leaders and activists," the party said while addressing media.
Sources said the NC had received “feelers” that senior Abdullah would be released and that was why the party had not been making any controversial statements for the last few weeks.
But the NC has been refusing that any Dr Abdullah was released as a part of some backchannel diplomacies. |
