National sovereignty must be given top priority
The joint statement released on Wednesday by the all party delegation who visited Jammu & Kashmir, asking both the Central and the State Governments to talk to ‘all stakeholders' will surely help ironing out the complexities for holding out a dialogue. The decision to engage all, including the Hurriyat Conference leadership and the rest of the separatist leaders may bring back normalcy to the crisis-ridden State soon.
At this moment, the Government should not consider clamping down on the separatist leaders on matters like their security, overseas travel and availing the State guest houses, as it may add fuel to the fire. However the Government must take a re-look at all the extra-ordinary privileges enjoyed by the separatists at the cost of the public revenue. This should be examined very carefully, considering the threat to their lives and the roles they play in maintaining public law and order situation as well. Arriving at a conclusion on such sensitive issues must have the backing of political consensus.
The members of the all-party delegation, unanimously agreeing that there is no place for violence in a civil society, will send a strong signal to the youth, for reconsidering their fight with the State. The youth must channelise their energy for educational and developmental work, instead of engaging in mindless violence. As this newspaper has consistently arguing since the beginning of the current conflict in the State on July 8, that violence will not put an end to the woes of the common people.
And also stressed that fighting the Indian State will not make any headway as it will see the loss of ordinary citizens and security forces only, who are equally precious human resources of this country. Sensing the emerging threats of jihadi forces both within and outside the country, the delegation's unequivocal pronouncement that ‘there can be no compromise on the issues of national sovereignty' will leave no doubt that India will stand firm on terror.
Simultaneously, the call for reopening the educational institutions, government offices and commercial establishments through the joint resolution will obviously ameliorate the current gloom from the State. The moot question comes at this point to anyone's mind is that is there an end to this crisisIJ What will the youth of the State achieve by turning violent to the StateIJ What future lies ahead for J&KIJ Setting a yardstick that dialogue comes only when there is peace must be realised by the separatist leaders at its core. Unless they stop their constituents from unleashing rage against the Government, the State will not see the light of the day.
The young minds in the State are not breaking into the path of conflict on their own. They are definitely lured into this proxy war by anti-national elements from across the border. They must understand that they are being used as shields in the long drawn conflict incited by Pakistan for gaining nothing, only but creating disturbances within India. Hence, the youth should not allow the Islamists to propel their dream through them. It is Pakistan's clandestine design and it continues its war against India with the help of a sizeable number ofjihadi outfits based in that country. It is an endless war. The State of Jammu & Kashmir being an integral part of this nation, will equally get attention like any other State, provided the hostilities come to an end. Finally, the all party leaders, who renewed their urge to the youth, to shun violence, must come into reality soon. Hope peace prevails.