How do you view the forthcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir?  

I think both the Government of India and the Election Commission have gone wrong. They have not opened a dialogue, for which there is a lot of scope here. The Hurriyat wanted an unconditional dialogue. Shabir Shah and others, including myself, have been supporting such a process (of dialogue). The elections are only a part of the political process. If we use the elections for blunting the political process, you are not gaiing anything. It is an open invitation to deepen the separatist tendencies in Kashmir.

There was a demand for Governor’s rule, because there should be some impartial dispensation. Also, they had preponed the elections. Preponing means wanting to get some party to gain from that. It will not serve any good purpose. 

Also, there is a need for credible elections. I don’t see any chance for credible elections. Firstly, there will be a signal to the people that the Central government wants this government to continue. I suspect, the Prime Minister has, over a period of time, become weakened. He has committed to many international friends, and also to many Kashmiri leaders and the people of Kashmir that there will be a credible election. Sitting in New Delhi, some people will expect that this ruling party (National Conference) will ensure a credible election. It is very dangerous for them. 

So, you will see the elections here, people will be crying for justice, and the Election Commission’s doors will be closed, as usual. I don’t know whether the Chief Election Commissioner or the other Commissioners are aware that we need a credible election here (in Kashmir). The international community is also important. The Chief Election Commissioner spoke in vain of a politician the other day, when he said those days are gone when the white man thought that the black should be helped. It is a politician’s remark. It is not a bureaucrat’s remark. It will irritate India’s friends.

If the elections are not credible…I don’t think this election will be credible. I think this election will promote more separatism, in Kashmir (rather), than resolving anything.

You are talking about the credibility of elections. What would constitute credibility?  

Credibility does not mean only fairness. To an extent, the election may be fair and the Election Commission will give a certificate. Kashmir is different and it is a very sensitive issue. Credible elections mean reform in so many processes. 

The government of India doesn’t know that officers go to villages along with MLAs and ministers and announce jobs. It happened throughout this year. Our recruitment board has been rendered redundant. There is a lot of anger in the minds of the people. 14,000 policemen were appointed during the last one year. Out of this, constables are 4000 and the rest 10,000 are Special Police Officers who get a salary of 1,500 rupees. They are not educated, and during the elections, will do anything for money. They will bring about havoc and the ruling party will use them. This government has total control over the police. They (National Conference) have put their relatives and friends in the administration at particular points. 

There should not only be Governor’s rule, but there should be an overhauling of the entire administration. That can be done, if there is a Governor, who means business. 

In fact, I feel that the Congress, PDP, CPM and all other mainstream parties should boycott the elections. Let the National Conference and the BJP win. If they don’t do this, they will become pawns in the hands of this situation. 

The Election Commission will not do anything. They will shut their doors and windows and people have to undergo a long legal process. In Kashmir, people are not prepared for that. They have become cynics. They don’t believe in anything. 

The BJP may be good at organizing Rath Yatras. But I don’t think they are experienced people to understand the aspirations of the people (in Kashmir). I’m really sorry that this government is headed by the BJP. They are short of talent. They have no experience and no policy on Kashmir. It is just an ad-hoc business for them. 

By not participating in the elections, are you not giving a chance to somebody else?  

Let the chance go to hell. We should boycott, because we are Indians and the system is corrupt. We must accept that Kashmir is (facing) a complex political crisis. It can’t be resolved just because the Home Minister wants elections. They have put all the eggs in one basket that is Dr. (Farooq) Abdullah. They will see its results. Only the National Conference people has prepared their identity cards and only they will vote in the elections. They are a fraction of the society. 

I expect that the Congress, PDP and CPM will boycott the elections. It is not going to be credible elections at all. Elections Commission bungled in Kashmir a hundred times. 

You participate and you will install a wrong government. If you don’t participate, then the elections will not be credible at all. The whole of India will question the credibility of the elections if the Congress, PDP and CPM are not participating. 

Let the Election Commission announce that the elections cannot be held. Let it postpone the elections. 

The 1996 elections were seen as credible and there was popular participation…

1996 elections were different. Everybody believed that Farooq should lead. That was an era of hope. That hope over a period of time died down. Today, there aren’t many who will say that Farooq Abdullah is the best person. Go to the market and speak to any local person and ask about elections. You will not see many friends for the government of Kashmir. 

Now, what do you think could be done in this short span?  

Open dialogue and postpone the elections. Talk to Shabir Shah, talk to Hurriyat elements and talk to others. 

How do you see outside involvement in the elections?  

They (the Union government) invited the US to take an interest (in Kashmir elections). But, when Powell gave advice, they say why do you say it. They expected that Powell will say that Kashmir is an integral part of India. But he didn’t say that. They (the US) know that India is depending on them. They also have their compulsions in Pakistan. If the Union government expects that the US be will completely pro-India, they are mistaken. The Americans want credible elections. This kind of elections will in fact result in India losing many friends. 

The Election Commission says no foreign observers. Why not? The Hurriyat leaders will be satisfied (with foreign observers). What about observers from India - people such as Rajinder Sachar, Kuldip Nayar, Krishna Iyer and others?

Had you been a part of the government, how would you have proceeded?  

First of all, you recognize that this is a complex political situation. I don’t call it a dispute. Open a dialogue and invite people, as the Prime Minister has said. So many people would speak to the Prime Minister. And then you proceed. Elections will be a part of that process. Government of India refused to talk merely because some people in the Hurriyat did not talk. 

They could not even do a simple thing. All right, you have not started a political process, but at least have credible elections. Remove this Governor and send a new one of your choice and hold elections under Governor’s rule. Whosoever comes to you (to talk) and understand from them what they want to be done. They ask for overhauling of the administration. There is a lot of time for that. It will be a potential signal to people that the Union government is giving a very good choice to elect the people of their choice. Lot of cynicism will go. The process for dialogue will open after that. 

The Government of India has not done anything. In fact, they have blunted our own zeal to tell the world that we are part of India. It is an internal situation and we will correct it, through democratic means, through constitutional means and through elections. The Government of India wants it both ways. Gag your mouths. You don’t say anything and just be Indians. We have Platos and Aristotles in the shape of Advanis and George Fernandeses. The Government of India will lose in this election. It will receive a beating from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.