Bashir Manzar, Editor, Kashmir Images

·         On Mufti Government and its Healing Touch Policy

There is some decline in violence in the Valley during Mufti’s government. However, the security scenario is same as it was earlier. Economically the condition of the state has not improved; we have no more funds coming to the State from the Centre. Development work has also not picked up.

There is no healing touch on the ground; however, on the human rights front, there is some change – extra-judicial killings in the valley have come down.

·         Is Hurriyat the real representatives of Kashmiris?

Hurriyat represents a sentiment of the Kashmiri people but they can’t claim to be the sole representatives of the Kashmiri people. As far as resolution of Kashmir is concerned, they have a role in the resolution of the issue.

·         Is there a role for the foreign militants?

As far as resolving Kashmir issue according to the wishes of Kashmiris is concerned, foreign militants have no role; they can delay the issue, complicate it, but not resolve it.

·         Is there a role for the US?

In India and Pakistan, US presence is strong. The Prime Minster visiting Kashmir and extending a hand of friendship to Pakistan, and Pakistan reciprocating, is all because of America. The script has been written by America; the Prime Ministers are just doing lip service. America’s role is always there.

·         Is an independent Kashmir a viable option?

It hardly seems a viable solution to the dispute. Jammu- Dogra people do not agree with an Independent Kashmir; the Pandits too won’t be happy. For that matter, an independent Kashmir would not be acceptable to the Ladakhi Buddhists also. People in the Valley may seem to be satisfied with independent Kashmir.

·         What should India and Pakistan do to resolve the conflict?

It would be ideal If India and Pakistan resolve the issue bilaterally without involving America. However there is already American intervention. Let both countries take as much benefit from this.

To address the core issue, it is a good gesture to start with small things. The restoration flights and resumption of sports is a confidence building measure. This would help the two countries come closer.

·         On the NN Vohra Mission

It is a futile exercise. It is a joke with the Kashmiri people. NN Vohra wants to talk with the Traders Federation Chairman who represents 5-6 shopkeepers; he wants to talk the same thing with Hurriyat Conference, PDP, National Conference and others. The Government of India is not serious in resolving the Kashmir issue. It is just a ‘time pass’ kind of thing.

Zafar Iqbal, Freelance Journalist

·         On Mufti Government

The Mufti Government has not been able to bring major changes on the ground. There is no perceptible change at all.

·         Current Indo-Pak initiative

The recent Indo-Pak peace diplomacy would not be enough to contribute to the resolution of the dispute. India and Islamabad are going to meet each other. There is nothing for Kashmiris.

·         On the APHC

APHC could be one of the components of the Kashmiri public opinion, but they don’t represent the whole of Jammu and Kashmir.

·         On Militancy

I am of the opinion that gun culture should come to an end with a ceasefire and the issue be resolved on political grounds, with a comprehensive broad based dialogue through peaceful means according to the wishes of the people of the state.

·         NN Vohra’s Mission

Vohra seems to be coming here on a fact finding mission. Many groups continue to come and go; I think this is not going to help anyway.

·         The Healing Touch policy

This government has not been able to check corruption. There is no formal movement vis-à-vis provision of job to the unemployed. Also, custodial killings continue. What sort of healing touch? However, the demolition drive is appreciable; but, it also seems to be restricted to poor chapari wallas (slum dwellers). No big fish has been touched so far.

·         On the role of external powers

There is already American intervention. The US seems to facilitate dialogue between two countries. The UN also has a role in resolution of the issue; but according to the UN, Kashmiris have a restricted choice (accede to India or Pakistan; independence is not envisaged in the UN resolution).

·         What is a viable solution?

‘Independent Kashmir’ is a viable solution to the Kashmir dispute. However, despite bad relations between India and Pakistan, the people of the two countries have been interacting, sharing games, culture, and trade. In my opinion, it would be a healthy exercise if Kashmiris are allowed to interact and trade with the Pakistanis. After ten years there would be a different feeling in the minds of the people.

·         What should India and Pakistan do to resolve Kashmir issue?

Let all guns be silenced first.  There should a complete stoppage of violence from all sides. Let there be a declaration of ceasefire. The Government of India should withdraw its forces atleast to pre-1990 position. Also, India will have to accept that Kashmir is not a lifeline of Pakistan. Had it been so, how has Pakistan survived for 50 years? Kashmir has to be accepted as a disputed territory. It is an unfinished agenda of Partition and should be addressed in the context of bitter ground realities.