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| Valley smiles at militants’ home coming talk | | |
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Feb 11: Bold decisions on resumption of talks with Pakistan and return of Kashmiri militants during the past ten days by New Delhi have not only sent right signals to right quarters but also made two former Chief Ministers of the state eat a humble pie.
Former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah issued a statement which he was not supposed to issue. He ruled out talks with Pakistan unless Islamabad brought the persons involved in Mumbai attacks to justice. As a matter of principle such statement can either be issued by the Prime Minister or the External Affairs Minister. But reminiscent of his earlier regime, Farooq behaved as India’s Foreign Minister and fired a paper missile at Islamabad. This perhaps was the time when New Delhi was considering resumption of dialogue with Pakistan. Two days later, New Delhi issued the unexpected statement. An embarrassed Farooq had to pray for the success of the intended talks.
Last week the Chief Minister sought pardon for Kashmiri militants waiting desperately for home coming in Pakistan. Another former Chief Minister had problems with it. Over stepping his ministerial limits like Dr Farooq, Azad said dreaded militants would sneak into Jammu Kashmir in the guise of prodigal Kashmiri.
Azad’s overtures evoked strong reaction from the Chief Minister. He urged Azad to stay away from issues which did not fall under his ministry. New Delhi surprised one and all by accepting Omar’s proposal. For the first time since 1947, Kashmiris appreciated New Delhi for its `bold and much awaited decision’. Pertinent to mention thousands of Kashmiri youth presently working as sales men, waiters and accountants in private firms in various cities of Pakistan are desperate to come back. Their parents have gone from Pillar to post to secure their home coming. New Delhi’s decision is being perceived as a strong Kashmir centric confidence building measure.
Omar’s outburst against Azad is being perceived as a crack in the ruling coalition. Further the statement is going to have a serious bearing on Azad’s `good will’ in Kashmir. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the Pradesh Congress Committee did the much needed damage control this evening. In a statement the Committee said Azad had not opposed the move. “He only advised the union government to exercise extreme caution while taking a decision on the sensitive issue.”
The Committee said it was unfortunate that a former Chief Minister has not been taken into confidence by New Delhi on a sensitive issue concerning security of the country
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