NEW DELHI: Finally, the official word is theirs. Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will not be held before Lok Sabha polls in the country. And, the government will strive to ensure that the state has representation in the new Lok Sabha after elections to its six seats along with those in the meet Of the country, Home Minister $.B. Chavan made these assertions during a chat with reporters on board a BSF aircraft. On its flight to Nagpur from Delhi. Knowledgeable circles never felt that the government would be able to hold Assembly elections in the state at a time when it was contemplating parliamentary polls. Sheer problem of logistics and deployment of security forces eliminated such possibility.
Leaders, nevertheless, had ‘put up a bold face so far. _From now onwards the talking point will be the government’s desire of holding simultaneous Lok Sabha polls. Official circles think that it is possible to achieve the objective with proper deployment of security forces and by staggering the elections. Chavan’s remark that the government was prepared to hold discussions with militant leaders of all shades after the Current Parliament session ends has to be viewed in this context. The government’s confidence has been bolstered with the offer of at least five top militant leaders to hold unconditional dialogue. This is evident from Chavan’s offer to hold talks with even those “in league with Pakistan” ‘The remark may appear significant on the face of it But before any meaning is read into it, it is to be noted that he has qualified it with the observation that the talks will be held with those “who are interested in peace.” Moreover, official sources stick to their stated position that any dialogue will take place within the constitutional framework of the country. * Chavan has not indicated any exact date for holding talks but said tie negotiations with militant outfits of all shades would start soon after the Parliament session, The Home Minister was emphatic that the government. Would not like to draw a. line between those having Pakistani connection and others. “Even if those groups which are in league with Pakistan are keen to have talks, we are ready,” he said.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 13, 1996
