In an exclusive interview to the IPCS, few educationalists from Sopore and Kupwara air their opinion on various issues relating to Kashmir.

Mohd. Ashraf, Principal, Degree College, Sopore

·         On Mufti Government and its ‘healing touch’:

The Mufti Government is in its infancy. We cannot perhaps stand as judge. However, there is a radical difference between the previous government and the present one at the mass level. But we cannot perhaps give a verdict whether governance is a better or not. The gross human rights violations continue. In that way the scenario has not changed.

Healing touch has not been executed on ground. However, the government seems to be concerned about making some changes on the ground.

·         The representative character of the APHC:

We are perhaps right if we say that the APHC represents the sentiments of the people to a greater extent. We have seen the entire election scenario; there was no mass involvement of the people. Looking towards the perceptions of the people, we can safely say they may be representing public opinion in the Valley.

·         Independent Kashmir, Accession to Pakistan, Conversion of LOC into International Border and Greater autonomy for Kashmir:

Keeping in view the geo-political scenario of the sub- continent, ‘Independent Kashmir’ would become a hot-bed of international conspiracies. Also, the social structure would be an ugly sight. We cannot say ‘Independent Kashmir’ would be a safe haven for the people – it would breed all types of corruption.  I think, not many people believe in Accession to Pakistan. Greater autonomy also would not be a complete and final solution to the dispute.

·         Presence of foreign militants:

On observing the gross human rights violations in Kashmir, outsiders generously come forward to help. Also, claiming ethnic proximity, they come to rescue Kashmiris. It is not only a Muslim coming to the rescue of a Muslim; a person of any religion on moral grounds is expected to have the same attitude in such situations. If human rights violations stop, I think foreigners would leave Kashmir.

·         On Indo-Pak dialogue:

I believe, the indo- Pak peace initiatives (restoration of air links, resumption of Lahore bus service and other ties) would help the two countries to come to the negotiation table.

·         Role for the US and UN:

There is no denying the fact that the US has a great role in the resolution of the Kashmir issue. Being a superpower, America has a great say in world affairs. The UN seems to be defunct, especially after the Iraq war; as such, it has no role in the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

MA Shiekh, Principal, Shiekh-ul-Aalam College of Education, Kupwara

·         Indo-Pak dialogue:

The two countries would be able to improvise upon the diplomatic and political ties; but both countries have to accept Kashmir as a dispute crying for solution. The people of the Valley are yearning for peace. It is an ideal time for the two countries to take some serious steps that could work towards resolution of the issue.  

·         Hurriyat’s representative character:

Let there be a referendum to decide whether the Hurriyat represents the sentiments of the people or not. It would be difficult to comment whether they are the real representatives. However, a majority of the people consider the Hurriyat as their representatives.

·         On Independent Kashmir, Accession to Pakistan, Greater autonomy and conversion of LOC into International Border:

There is no harm in ‘Independent Kashmir’. It would be an ideal solution to the Kashmir problem. Accession to Pakistan seems to be in the interests of a few people. Greater autonomy may restore peace in the Valley, but cannot be a complete solution in itself.  Conversion of LOC into International border is a ridiculous idea.

·         On the Mufti Government and its healing touch:   

Mufti has failed to bring any good to Kashmiris. There is no change on ground. Human rights violations continue. There is no decrease in the atrocities being committed by security forces on the people. Unemployment is still there.  

·         Presence of foreign militants:

It would have been good if the freedom struggle would have been indigenous. Since foreigners are fighting for long, now they should not be ignored in any dialogue process.

·         Role for the US and the UN:

There is always a role for the US in the resolution of the Kashmir issue. America can within hours make the two countries enter into a dialogue. The UN is a puppet of the US and, as such, I don’t think the UN has any role in the Kashmir issue.

Sajad Ahmed, Chairman, Shiekh-ul-Alam College of Education, Kupwara

·         On Independent Kashmir, Accession to Pakistan, Greater autonomy to Kashmir, Conversion of LOC into International Border:

Independent Kashmir would be a viable solution in the interests of majority. Accession to Pakistan is a distant dream for the Kashmiris. Greater autonomy may return peace to the Valley but cannot be a complete solution. Conversion of LOC into International Border would be a useless exercise.

·         Role for the US and the UN:

When the US has a role in Iraq to change their administration as well as their leadership, why not in Kashmir?  I consider the UN a puppet.

·         On APHC’s representative character:

It is difficult to answer. They (APHC) have not been put to test. However people believe that APHC represent their sentiments.  

·         On the Mufti Government and its ‘healing touch’ policy:

The coalition government has annoyed the people of the state. They have failed to win the hearts and minds of the people. The custodial killings still continue. In the recent past, Kupwara observed a complete shutdown, may be the first of its kind, against custodial killing of an innocent forest employee. 

·         Presence of foreign militants:

Their presence may delay the resolution of the issue. The Kashmiri leadership has to think seriously about their presence. They are operating in the Valley for long now, and their presence would be increasingly threatening with the passage of time.

If the educationalists’ viewpoint is to be believed, the Mufti government has not been able to provide good governance due to lack of support from the Union government, a view not shared by many. In fact, the government has been unable to perform because of its undemocratic approach. At the same time educationists do not rule out problems within the government itself.

The healing touch policy is an exemplary way to restore peace in the trouble-torn Valley, but steps like merging the SOG into the police, releasing political leaders and innocent people from jails and interrogation centers is being hindered by the Union government.  If it generously came forward to support and cooperate with the State government, it would prove far better government than the NC, the most hated government.

Educationalists do not consider Hurriyat as the sole representative of the Kashmiri people but they believe it represents public opinion; hence the government of India should not ignore them in any dialogue process. For a lasting solution Hurriyat involvement is a must.  A decrease in gross human rights violations and eradication of unemployment would result in a drastic change on the ground, which is only possible with the support of the Union government. Educationalists reckon that to win public goodwill the government must be relentless and impartial in its fight against bias and corruption, which has badly affected the overall functioning of the government.