NEW DELHI: Members of the consultative committee attached to the Home Ministry expressed divergent views on the Center’s keenness to set in motion the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir.
The members generally welcomed the Government’s recent stand on Kashmir, but some were of the view that the situation was “not yet ripe.”
At the outset, Union Home Minister $.B.Chavan informed the members that although the situation was “still difficult,” in recent times there had been a “qualitative change” for the better.
The Center is keen on creating a conducive atmosphere for holding “free and fair’ elections in Jammu and Kashmir so that a representative Government could govern the State, $.B.Chavan has said. I hope all individuals, groups and parties which believe in democratic values and tenets will come forward to join in this endeavor,” Chavan said.
Referring to the vexing Ramjamambhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, he said some important developments had taken place recently and reiterated that the ‘Government would favor a negotiated settlement of the issue.
If however, such a solution cannot be reached, the Government favors a solution by the court’s verdict. Chavan said. The Government proposed to hold a meeting of the National Immigration Council shortly to discuss the Ayodhya dispute, he said.
Chavan pointed out that the extensive digging and leveling operations around the disputed shrine at Ayodhya by the State Government had led to fears among the people regarding the possible effect on the safety of the disputed structure.
We took up the matter with the State Government who have assured that these would have no adverse effect on the structure. Reportedly the digging, leveling and other work is still continuing” he said.
Referring to the Ladakh problem, Chavan said that communal amity, preserving the identity of Ladakh and setting up of suitable arrangements to meet the aspirations of the people of the region were important to find a lasting solution to the problem,
The Ayodhya issue continued to be the subject of a number of court cases pending before the Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court, Chavan said. A contempt petition had also alleged that the acquisition of land at Ayodhya, the handing over of possession of land to the Ramjanma Bhoomi Nyas, the demolition of structures and the construction of a boundary wall were violative of the Supreme Court orders of Nov.15. Chavan _ expressed the action would be taken by any party which would violate the letter or spirit of the various court orders.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 10, 1994
