NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir governor, Girish Saxena has said that time is npe now for initiating a political process in Kashmir with the situation well contained.
The governor said the mood of the people in the state was turning against militancy and it was essential that established political parties came forward to fill the political vacuum. Simultaneously, Saxena asserted that the pressure on the militants had not only been maintained, but stepped up.
In an interview to PTI here, the Kashmir governor said the administration could assure the leaders of these political parties full security.
The role of these parties is essential to crystalize the mood of the people, Saxena who is camping here in connection with finalization of the state annual plan, said.
Jammu and Kashmir’s annual plan outlay for 1991-92 was fixed at Rs 7,2 billion, marking an increase of 10.8% compared to the current fiscal year outlay of Rs 6.5 billion. This was decided following discussions between deputy chairman, planning commission, Mohan Dharis and the state Governor here Jan 3.
In an apparent reference to recent mass surrenders, he said as a result of the changing mood of the people more and more militants were coming over ground. He said recently as many 3s 60 militants had surrendered.
Saxena made it clear that any dialogue with the militants would have to within the constitutional framework and on their giving up arms.
Asked if the political process meant revival of traditional forces, he said gradually other political forces like the Awami action committee and the Muslim united front could also be involved so also new forces which are emerging.
He said as the administration could not reach the people that well, it was important that the traditional political forces started activising their cadres.
Asked if a Punjab like dialogue could be expected in Kashmir, Saxena said the situation would have to be made ripe for it, adding, eventually effort would come from them.
About the situation in the state, he said it was not that bight and added though we have the situation well contained on the ground, the numbers involved in the militancy was large and they possess lot of capability in armaments.
He said in recent times there had been some positive signs with number of incidents coming down and volume of violence decreasing. He said surrendered militants had told the authorities of their disenchantment with Pakistan and violence, They have come to see the futility of their course of action.
He ascribed this success to back of motivation among the militants especially the new comers and the success rate of the security forces.
Saxena summed up saying we are not fighting to finish. But trying to make clear to them (militants) that violence would get them ao-where,
Article extracted from this publication >> January 11, 1991
