J&K: In Search of a ‘Starting Point’ to Break the Impasse
27 Aug, 2010 · 3225
Ashok Bhan comments on Union Home Minister P Chidamabaram's effort to find a way to stop the vicious cycle of violence in J&K
Kashmir is caught in a whirlpool of violence. While the Central and State Governments have shown their concern over the situation, it has been impossible to break the vicious cycle. Every death will naturally bring more violent protests. So should one wait for violence to end or subside before remedial measures are taken?
Home Minister P Chidambaram while addressing the conference of Police Chiefs has shown his concern over the situation. He is optimistic that over the next few days the Government will be able to find the elusive ‘starting point’. The intent of the Government has further been elucidated by the Home Minister by adding that once a start is made, efforts will be made to reach out to the protestors, reassure them of their rights and dignity, restore peace and order, redeem the promises made, and restart the process of dialogue that will lead to a solution. The Home Minister has set a substantial agenda for the future. In very unambiguous terms, the Government has conceded the existence of a problem, which needs to be solved through a political dialogue. An assurance has been given that the promises made will be met. The biggest challenge would be to find the ‘starting point’ to break the impasse and put a stop to the cycle of violence.
No individual or party can be blamed for the present situation. It is collective failure of a system of which every mainstream political party is a part and parcel. All these parties have suffered losses in the form of killing of their leaders and activists in the last two decades. Any further continuance of uncertainty will be detrimental to the very existence of each one of them. Let them not further shrink the political space by washing their dirty linen in public. Additionally, the ongoing media wars will only benefit the adversary. There is no scope for factionalism and group rivalry within political parties. Every one should set aside personal differences and prejudices and pool in their resources to find this ‘starting point’.
The Chief Minister, his three predecessors, and many political leaders still enjoy sizeable influence. Their coming together, even with the limited agenda of working towards peace and mitigation of hardships being faced by the people, can make a difference. The mainstream parties must revitalize their party cadres, reach the aggrieved and apply a soothing balm on the wounds of those who have lost their near and dear ones.
The colossal loss to education due to hartals and curfews has become unbearable now. The academic year has to be saved, as it will cause irreparable damage to the careers of the youth. Parents and teachers are fed up but do not dare to raise their voice in fear of retaliation. Resuming the proper functioning of educational institutions cannot wait anymore. A time frame becomes necessary to break the impasse.
It can be assumed that emissaries of the Governments at the Centre and in the State must have established the necessary lines of communication to find the ‘starting point.’ The progress needs to be monitored on day-to-day basis. Any process of resolving a conflict involves give and take. The interlocutors must work with a clear mandate or else this preparatory work will end up in exchange of pleasantries alone. One or more confidence building measures from the Government’s side will go a long way in making a beginning. Needless to say, sufficient groundwork needs to be done before any announcements are made. A very productive CBM can be an assurance to withdraw ‘Disturbed Areas Act’ and as a consequence, the AFSPA starting from the city of Srinagar. This would require putting in place sufficient Police arrangements in the city of Srinagar. Thereafter, depending on the ground situation, the phased withdrawal in the remaining state can be considered. Another CBM can be the setting up of a Committee to screen all cases of detainees and release of those not involved in heinous offences. Many other similar measures can help break the impasse so that there is forward movement on steps enumerated by the Home Minister.
There is less than a fortnight left for the Holy Eid festival. Can the intervening period be used by all stakeholders, to work towards the elusive ‘starting point’? It is within the realm of possibility. Let this coming Eid festival be the harbinger of peace in the state. The Home Minister’s statement brings lot of hope to all those who want peace to return.
Home Minister P Chidambaram while addressing the conference of Police Chiefs has shown his concern over the situation. He is optimistic that over the next few days the Government will be able to find the elusive ‘starting point’. The intent of the Government has further been elucidated by the Home Minister by adding that once a start is made, efforts will be made to reach out to the protestors, reassure them of their rights and dignity, restore peace and order, redeem the promises made, and restart the process of dialogue that will lead to a solution. The Home Minister has set a substantial agenda for the future. In very unambiguous terms, the Government has conceded the existence of a problem, which needs to be solved through a political dialogue. An assurance has been given that the promises made will be met. The biggest challenge would be to find the ‘starting point’ to break the impasse and put a stop to the cycle of violence.
No individual or party can be blamed for the present situation. It is collective failure of a system of which every mainstream political party is a part and parcel. All these parties have suffered losses in the form of killing of their leaders and activists in the last two decades. Any further continuance of uncertainty will be detrimental to the very existence of each one of them. Let them not further shrink the political space by washing their dirty linen in public. Additionally, the ongoing media wars will only benefit the adversary. There is no scope for factionalism and group rivalry within political parties. Every one should set aside personal differences and prejudices and pool in their resources to find this ‘starting point’.
The Chief Minister, his three predecessors, and many political leaders still enjoy sizeable influence. Their coming together, even with the limited agenda of working towards peace and mitigation of hardships being faced by the people, can make a difference. The mainstream parties must revitalize their party cadres, reach the aggrieved and apply a soothing balm on the wounds of those who have lost their near and dear ones.
The colossal loss to education due to hartals and curfews has become unbearable now. The academic year has to be saved, as it will cause irreparable damage to the careers of the youth. Parents and teachers are fed up but do not dare to raise their voice in fear of retaliation. Resuming the proper functioning of educational institutions cannot wait anymore. A time frame becomes necessary to break the impasse.
It can be assumed that emissaries of the Governments at the Centre and in the State must have established the necessary lines of communication to find the ‘starting point.’ The progress needs to be monitored on day-to-day basis. Any process of resolving a conflict involves give and take. The interlocutors must work with a clear mandate or else this preparatory work will end up in exchange of pleasantries alone. One or more confidence building measures from the Government’s side will go a long way in making a beginning. Needless to say, sufficient groundwork needs to be done before any announcements are made. A very productive CBM can be an assurance to withdraw ‘Disturbed Areas Act’ and as a consequence, the AFSPA starting from the city of Srinagar. This would require putting in place sufficient Police arrangements in the city of Srinagar. Thereafter, depending on the ground situation, the phased withdrawal in the remaining state can be considered. Another CBM can be the setting up of a Committee to screen all cases of detainees and release of those not involved in heinous offences. Many other similar measures can help break the impasse so that there is forward movement on steps enumerated by the Home Minister.
There is less than a fortnight left for the Holy Eid festival. Can the intervening period be used by all stakeholders, to work towards the elusive ‘starting point’? It is within the realm of possibility. Let this coming Eid festival be the harbinger of peace in the state. The Home Minister’s statement brings lot of hope to all those who want peace to return.
POPULAR COMMENTARIES
