In the first fortnight of May 2003, two issues dominated reports and analyses in the Urdu media in Kashmir: the recent developments vis-à-vis Indo-Pak peace diplomacy and the six weeks time granted by the NHRC to the Mufti Government to explain the 8,000 cases of disappearances in the Valley.

·         Recent Indo-Pak Peace Initiatives

Most media analyses highlighted the Kashmiris’ longing for peace and noted that the current thaw in Indo-Pak relations was due to international pressure. In its editorial, (India, Pakistan and Kashmir, 9 May 2003) Daily Aftab observed that after two years of political, diplomatic and security unrest, both India and Pakistan have agreed to resolve their mutual differences in view of international pressure. “This has not only become a point of discussion in two countries but the whole world is concerned about this development.” In a related news report (China playing a vital role in facilitation of talks, 13 May 2003), the paper pondered over the importance of the Prime Minister’s visit to China, following closely on the heels of the Defence Minister’s recent visit. According to the report, “China has already taken Pakistani leadership into confidence. Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali visited China and it is believed that President Musharraf would also visit China. It is believed that there are talks going on to restore peace and friendship between two countries.” The Srinager Times, too, in its editorial of 13 May 2003, observed that India and Pakistan would enter into a dialogue because of American intervention: “Although the Prime Ministers of both countries would deny that intervention of any third country made dialogue possible, there is no denying the fact that both countries have been made to talk by America.” However, the US has its own interests in doing so. “America fears that hostile relations between India and Pakistan would be threatening in view of growing anguish in Arab and league countries against America.”

Commenting on the responsibility that now lay on the shoulders of those at the helm of affairs, including the Hurriyat, the Nadia Mashraq, in its editorial of 6 May 2003, pointed out that “It is an obligation on these people to ensure that in any circumstances the situation in Kashmir in every respect remains intact. Violence in all its manifestations must be checked. This is indispensable for the promotion of ties between two countries that have changed their mindset in view of international pressure.” In an attempt to dispel criticism that Pakistan had changed its policy vis-à-vis Kashmir and accepted the conversion of Line of Control (LOC) into the International Border as a viable solution to the Kashmir problem, the editorial argued that “These people ignore the very fact that being a State, Pakistan has some obligations on its part to preserve the integrity and prosperity of the country. The biggest being the clarification it owes to the international Community that Pakistan is not an exporter of terrorism.”

Statements made by the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan and Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed got prominence in the media. The Daily Alsafa (10 May 2003) carried the statement by Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed asking militants to announce a ceasefire to make the dialogue a success: “When Prime Ministers of two countries have expressed their willingness to resolve all the prolonged issue including Kashmir through mutual dialogue, there is no room for gun. The militants should announce ceasefire. The history of gun culture should end now so that peace gets a chance to prevail in Valley.” While the Srinagar Times gave a detailed account of Prime Minister Vajapayee’s address in the Lok Sabha for building friendly relations with its neighboring country, Daily Afaaq (12 May 2003) carried a main story on Pakistan Prime Minister Jamali talking to the Muslim League members in Faisalbad: “Kashmir issue would be resolved by mutual dialogue between Pakistan, India and Kashmir…. To have a successful dialogue, participation of the Kashmiri people is a must. We have once again sent the ball in Indian court. By doing so, Pakistan’s stance vis-à-vis Kashmir has not only been strengthened at the international level but it has also left very little room for India to escape. Anyway, we expect India to reciprocate.”

·         Disappearances in the Valley 

With about eight thousand people missing in the Valley, the NHRC raised its concerns with the Mufti-led coalition government and has directed the government to inform within six weeks the disappearances that have occurred in the Valley and the steps taken to punish the guilty and compensate the victims. The Commission has also sent its report to the Defence and Home Ministries in this regard.

In its lead story, the Daily Alsafa (11 May 2003) carried PDP President Mehbboba Mufti’s interview in which Mehbooba admitted that there was an increase in human rights violations in the Valley.  Mehbboba disclosed that “there are limitations in the government and it doesn’t claim that everything was going on perfectly. There is an alarming increase in human rights violations especially after Nadimarg massacre. The increase in human rights violations was only due to the frustration of the security forces who commit atrocities on people.” She reiterated that she was in support of people condemning atrocities committed by security forces and pointed out that, although there was a decrease in the complaints against the security forces, the mindset of the forces had not changed.