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Manmohan’s major initiatives on Kashmir |
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B.I. Saini
The Manmohan Singh Government has made crystal clear its sincerity in seeking a solution of the Kashmir issue by announcing two major initiatives last week. Troop levels in Jammu and Kashmir are to be reduced, meeting a major demand both of the separatist elements in the state as well as the Government of Pakistan. Simultaneously, the Manmohan Singh Government has signalled its readiness to look at the proposals made by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf if they are made in a formal shape.
The Hurriyat and other separatist organisations have long been demanding the reduction of forces in the state, especially in the Kashmir Valley. The armed forces have been undertaking a very difficult task in the state which has sometimes made them the target of attack for alleged human rights violations. The record of the Indian armed forces has been good in this respect, but stray incidents of human rights violations continue to take place. The alleged rape of a woman and her daughter in Handwara last week has to be seen in this respect. The Army has taken prompt note of the incident and suspended a Major alleged to be involved in the incident. This makes it clear that the security forces will not overlook any human rights violations by their officers and men.
Pakistan has also been demanding reduction of Indian armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir, often terming it as an important confidence building measure India could take. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s announcement of troop cuts in the state opens the way for talks with Pakistan, especially in the context of Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s visit to India next week. External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh’s statement that India is prepared to look at the formula proposed by General Pervez Musharraf, if it comes in a formal shape, is expected to further strengthen the process. It makes it clear that India is prepared to look at and consider all reasonable proposals made by Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue.
Last week’s major initiatives come after Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil’s statement that the Hurriyat leaders can be permitted to visit Pakistan if they apply in the proper format. The Centre has earlier made it clear that it is prepared to have talks without any preconditions with the Hurriyat and other separatist outfits in the state. There is no excuse now for the Hurriyat to dilly-dally over resumption of talks with the Centre.
The Indian stand on solving the Kashmir issue is very clear. On the internal front, the Centre is prepared for talks with all separatist elements and has increasingly tried to persuade the Hurriyat and other groups to resume the dialogue which was started by the previous NDA government. Externally, India has again offered to hold talks with Islamabad on all issues including Kashmir. The ball is now in the court of Pakistan to put forth its proposals in a formal way so that they could be considered by New Delhi.
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