NEW DELHI: Even as the Jammu & Kashmir government is keeping the heat on the militants harboring secessionist feelings, Gen (retd) KV. Krishna Rao, the state’s governor, and Rajesh Pilot, Union minister of state for intemal security, are working On a Strategy which could result in the moderate Clements within the militant ranks forming a political party.
The purpose clearly is to help in the formation of a regional political group which would voice the demands of the Kashmiri populace, including maintenance of Special provisions and more autonomy but excluding the demand for an ‘Azad Kashmir.” This political group would be encouraged to not only revive political activity in the strife tom valley by way of taking up the cause of the harassed innocents but also to contest the elections, whenever they are held. The group apparently would also be urged to help the government by. Urging that the Kashmir people who fled the valley return to their respective areas or domicile.
Infact, reports coming from the valley indicate that following detailed talks with the state governor during his last week’s visit to the valley, Pilot had initiated talks with the moderate elements in the militant’s ranks. He had reportedly assured them of complete cooperation while seeking their help in the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.
Sources, however, did not identify the “channels” which Pilot had meant to find, moderate militant leadership. They said Pilot did meet a number of militants, who have been detained at various interrogation centers. Incidentally, Gen Rao had urged senior leaders of National Conference, Congress(I) and other political parties to retum to their respective areas in the valley where they would be provided accommodation, vehicles and security personnel. “Unfortunately no one has so far responded to the his offer,” a key official of the govemment said. Meanwhile, the governorhasalsogone public with his desiretohelp the local people to formacredible political group. He is reported to have send messages to the Muslim United Front leadership swell as the young Mirwaiz in this regard. However, there has been no. response so far but both Pilot and Gen, Rao are reported to be confident about achieving a breakthrough in the near future. Besides, the J&K government has literally launched a psychological war to break the morale of the militant groups by repeatedly pointing out that they stood no chance to achieve their stated goal. Sources say that Gen Rao, who has taken a lead in this propaganda saying that militancy would lead the people nowhere. “If a five lakh Pakistan Army could not fight the Indian Army in 1971, lost half of their country and we brought 95,000 Pakistani prisoners with us, do you think that 10,000 or 20,000 or even one lakh militants will be able to liberate Kashmiri?” Is the general’s refrain in most of his interaction with the populace.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 17, 1993
