Even in the absence of any formal invite from the BJP-led Central Government, peace talks are gradually gaining momentum in Jammu & Kashmir.
Hurriyat leadership, several mainstream political parties have welcomed the ‘idea’ of resuming talks with in the ambit of the Indian constitution. But it seems the State unit of the BJP is still not in sync with the ruling dispensation in Delhi.
After several Kashmir-based politicians, including National Conference Chief Dr Farooq Abdullah and PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti batted for early resumption of talks, State BJP spokesman on Monday issued a written statement claiming, “any talks with the Joint Resistance leadership/Hurriyat at this stage without them publicly accepting pre-conditions will be counter-productive and a retrograde step”.
On the other hand, BJP national vice-president and the J&K affairs in-charge, Avinash Rai Khanna, in Srinagar said, “Centre was open for dialogue with the Hurriyat leaders “but within the ambit of Indian constitution.”
“We are open for talks. Hurriyat leaders are own people, they are the residents of J&K so they are most welcome to talk to us including the Prime Minister Narendra Modi but within the ambit of Indian constitution,” Khanna told mediapersons on the side-lines of a party function in Srinagar.
First of all, the ball was set rolling by the J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik in Srinagar on Saturday where he made a first ‘cryptic’ statement saying, “it was encouraging to see Hurriyat’s readiness for talks”.
Governor Malik had stated that the Hurriyat leaders, who had once shut doors on Ram Vilas Paswan, when approached for dialogue, were “now ready for talks, which was an encouraging sign.”
Without wasting any time Hurriyat Conference (M) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq too reacted positively claiming, “the amalgam has always been in favour of talks “as the means of resolution.”
Reacting to the political development, National Conference President and sitting Member Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah Monday said, “The Governor says Hurriyat has agreed to talks. Then, talks should be held with them,”
Similarly, former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president on Monday said she was relieved that Hurriyat has “finally” softened it stand on talks with the Centre.
Quoting a famous Persian couplet, daer ayad durust ayad (Better later than never), Mehbooba said on Twitter, “Dair aye durust aye. The underlying purpose of PDP-BJP alliance was to facilitate dialogue between GoI & all stakeholders. Tried my best to make it happen in my tenure as CM but relieved that Hurriyat has finally softened their stand”.
Meanwhile in Jammu, State spokesperson of BJP Brig Anil Gupta said, “None of the Hurriyat leaders have signaled any change in their stance and continue to promote separatism”. “Mere appeals for talks with the Centre is no indicator of any change in their mindset”, he added.
BJP spokesman said, “Hurriyat is the perpetrator of most of the problems in Kashmir. With the inflow of Hawala money controlled, they are now strapped of cash and thus asking for talks. The JRL should publically acknowledge the undisputable status of J&K and it being an integral part of India. They should also commit their loyalty to Constitution of India and seek talks only under its ambit,” asserted Brig Gupta.
“Any talks with the JRL/Hurriyat at this stage without them publicly accepting these pre-conditions will be counter-productive and a retrograde step. It will also be a huge set back to the ongoing extremely successful operations against terror and the terror support network, of which Hurriyat is a major culprit”. In 2016, “the same leadership had spurned the offer of talks within the ambit of Constitution because at that time they enjoyed backing and support of Pakistan. The present offer of talks is a mere ruse and time gaining exercise to regroup and reorganise,” warned Brig Gupta.