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Kashmir : Significant progress at third RTC

	April 30, 2007

Despite boycott by separatist elements, the third round table conference (RTC) on Kashmir recorded significant progress towards tackling the internal dimensions of the Kashmir issue. The progress made may also have its impact on the effort being made by India to resolve problems with Pakistan on various issues including Kashmir.



Giving a practical thrust to the initiatives to realise the vision of a new Kashmir, the Prime Minister announced the constitution of two committees to take stock of implementation of the recommendations of the working groups on Kashmir. The standing committee of the round table consisting of some of its Members would meet as and when needed to review the implementation process. The oversight and monitoring mechanism, consisting of officials, would coordinate the task of implementation, identify delays and resolve bottlenecks.



The RTC accepted the recommendations of the four working groups to address various aspects of the Kashmir problem. The fifth working group on Centre-State relations is yet to finalise its report.



The Prime Minister denied reports emanating from Pakistan that a settlement of the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan is in the offing. He said public statements in this regard emanating from Pakistan do not give the correct picture.



On references to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s proposals and statements raised during the RTC discussion, Dr. Manmohan Singh said several ideas having a bearing on improving relations between India and Pakistan were being discussed at various levels, and careful consideration was being given to the views expressed at these roundtables.



On the question of the deployment of security forces for maintaining peace in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said troop deployment was directly related to the extent of violence on the ground. But he said there are concerns about human rights violations and undue harassment of the people that need to be addressed.



Referring to the initiatives already being implemented to revitalise the economy of the state, the Prime Minister said there was a need to work closely together to further carry forward the effort to build a new peaceful and prosperous state. “It is a vision of new Jammu and Kashmir symbolised by peace, prosperity and people’s power.”



Dr. Singh said there were two dimensions to the problem of J&K - internal as well as external involving Indo-Pakistan relations. “It is our intention and sincere desire to advance on both fronts towards resolving the problems through a process of dialogue,’’ he said, while adding that the working groups and the roundtable process were part of the Government’s efforts to find pragmatic and practical means of improving the quality of life of the people so that they led a life of self-respect and dignity.



On the external front, the Prime Minister said the Government had engaged in talks with Pakistan to improve relations and resolve all pending issues.



Efforts have been made and will continue to be made to work for a reconciliation recognising the interdependence of destinies. “However, these efforts will not be fruitful unless a peaceful environment is created through honoring of commitments made, in letter and spirit, to curb terrorist activities.’’



Reiterating the Government’s commitment to a constructive dialogue, Dr. Singh hoped that those who had decided not to join the dialogue would also join the process and contribute to the resolution of the issues.



Both the factions - moderate and hardline - of the Hurriyat Conference, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front have been boycotting the roundtables.



However, all major political parties attended the conference.







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Working Group calls for review of Armed Forces Act



The working group on confidence-building measures in Jammu and Kashmir has recommended review and revoking of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act in the State.



Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, said certain laws made operational during the period of militancy “impinge” upon the fundamental rights of citizens and adversely affect them. They should be reviewed and revoked. Law and order matters, to the maximum extent possible, should be dealt with through normal laws.



The Ansari panel recommended that relief and compensation, as per established precedents and procedures, be extended to the Kargil war victims, including those rendered invalid in cross-firing and mine blasts and farmers who suffered crop loss either due to the Army taking over their agricultural land or border fencing or laying down of landmines.



The People’s Democratic Party had been demanding gradual troop withdrawal, greater role for the State police and vacating of private and public property held by the security forces. The Centre has set up a mechanism to look into the demands.



Among the other important recommendations made by this group are: measures to improve the condition of militancy-affected people, schemes to rehabilitate orphans and widows and addressing issues relating to rehabilitation of those who were keen to shun militancy and join the mainstream. A definite policy or package was required to discourage people from reverting back to militancy.



It also suggested employment for Kashmiri Pandit migrants. An inventory of properties, including orchards of migrants, should be generated and examined for illegal occupation and full compensation.



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