Indo-Pak dialogue

In its editorial Daily Aftab commented on the possibility of Indo-Pak dialogue. "Pakistan has agreed to few peace-proposals and has asked India to accept the conditions stated by it (Pakistan) in order to obtain same opinion with regard to the rest of proposals of the Indian government. This activity from both sides is an indication that both want to resolve the bi-lateral issues amicably and live in a friendly atmosphere." It continued "However, the restoration of friendly-ties between two is not possible unless and until certain issues are resolved. But then both tend to talk to each other. A delegation from Pakistan will come to India to discuss the restoration of air-links between the two. There is optimism from both sides that air links would be restored. Also both cannot afford to ignore the international pressure". Summing up, it read "for quite some time now both countries seem to be interested in resolving the issues through peaceful means. This has led to the growing hope among the people of both countries that both are heading towards the resolution of prolonged issues through negotiations and soon state of affairs between the two would be satisfactory"

Kashmiri leadership & interesting politics

Though the political hustle-bustle is not order of the day especially in the Hurriyat camp, Hurriyat leaders seem to be bridging their differences, obviously understanding need of the hour, observed Daily Aftab (07-11-2003) in its editorial. "It is a good sign that Hurriyat leaders have almost avoided blaming each other and are involved in building mutual trust and belief. Also, the organization is building a consensus even with the rejectionists (Geelani group) after it responded positively to the talks offer by the Centre (Delhi). It is difficult to say whether there would be talks between Union govt. and Hurriyat or otherwise but sections of people are appreciating change in the Kashmiri leadership." It continued "Every leader in Hurriyat wants Kashmir issue be resolved through peaceful means, even the rejectonists too advocate peaceful settlement of the issue. However, few people with vested interests do not want two factions of the organization to unite. It is the duty of leaders to put the aspirations of the people above everything else." Kashmiri leaders must know that unrealistic and impractical approach is unyielding and troublesome and would further jeopardize the Kashmir issue. Leaders need to play a constructive role and positives be allowed to triumph over negatives, concluded the editorial.

Daliy Aftab (15-11-2003) in its editorial "interesting politics" observed that political scenario in Kashmir was taking a weird turn. "In Hurriyat, the efforts to remove the inconveniences and build understanding among the Hurriyat leaders have been unyielding so far. On the other hand, differences are snowballing in the coalition government just after completion of one year in power. There are people in the coalition who have been voted to power just to divorce the traditional NC govt. They try to create ripples and cracks in coalition government." It continued "No doubt, Congress and PDP want unity and work hand to hand but there are various issues upsetting the two. NC which has been rejected by people wants to bring life to its withering image. Leaders of the outgoing NC tried to demonstrate their political might in Jammu despite the fact that it has never succeeded in Jammu. In Jammu, BJP and Congress have some footing and the NC is equally a failure". Summing up, it read, "People are yet to forgive NC, for its misdoings and misdeeds while in power. Over the years, people have become much more conscious and do not show much interest in politics even for the sake of it.

Strike: life crippled in valley

The two-day strike threw life out of gear in Kashmir valley, large-scale demonstrations were held in different parts of the valley against America and Britain for alleged killing of twenty Muslims and hundreds wounded besides scores arrested, commented bi-lingual Alsafa (10-11-2003) in its editorial. "Though the strike call was given by various militant outfits but prevailing circumstances have made people understand that it is an obligation on their part to protest injustice and highhandedness in all its manifestations. And they are firm when Muslims are victims. It is proved beyond any doubt that America and Britain want to demonstrate supremacy before the world and its prime aim is to muzzle the voice of Muslims everywhere in the world." America and Britain want to get hold of oil resources in Iraq besides putting in every effort weakening and playing havoc with Muslim unity and strength, summed up the editorial.

India’s double-policy- a failure

In its lead news bi-lingual Alsafa (04-11-2003) reported, "India’s double-policy on Kashmir unsuccessful". According to political analysts in America, India’s policy of sidelining Pakistan and extending a talks offer to Hurriyat will end up in failure. While referring to an analysis on South Asia by strategic forensic (Astratfore), it read, "New Delhi has adapted a double-policy to resolve the Kashmir issue. It is ready to talk to indigenous freedom fighters and at the same time was sidelining Pakistan in the process. Pakistan is actively supporting both terrorists and separatists in Jammu and Kashmir". Quoting reliable sources, Astratfore, said that latest move by India- (talks offer to Hurriyat) was an attempt to please America which has asked India to respond to Pakistan’s peace proposals.