NEW DELHI: The Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, General (retred) K.V. Krishna Rao, has asked militants to participate in elections and form a government if they could demonstrate their majority in the assembly.

Addressing a delegation of political Parties, prominent citizens and office Cat Riasiin Udhampur district, about 73 km from here. Gen Rao said that if militants were able to demonstrate their public support by winning the assembly election, they would be al- lowed to form the government as was done in some north-east states.

He said that he had recently discussed the issue of holding of elections with senior political leaders and asked them to get prepared for it. He said that the situation in the valley would further improve, paving the way for elections Referring to the demand for autonomy for the state as aired by some political parties. Gen Rao said that it could be discussed with the representatives of the people within the parameters of the Constitution.

He however wondered, “with whom should we discuss this issue?” He pointed to the claim made by Hurriyat leaders and said that it is conglomeration of 30 odd parties and organizations with inherent contradictions and differences. He asked how many seats these outfits had won in the past to claim to represent the people. Urging the political parties to activism their cadres especially in the Valley for political activity, Gen Rao, however, cautioned them that “Pakistan would do everything possible to subvert our effort for normalcy and restoration of democracy. They will try to escalate violence, induct more foreign mercenaries, and even try to kill some politicians.”

Gen Rao also disclosed that according to intelligence reports, Pakistan had prepared a list of dignitaries to be eliminated.

“We will have to face this situation with courage and fortitude and there is no reason for us to succumb to their threats,” he said.

The Governor said that Pakistan would continue to pursue proxy war in Kashmir, as it cannot fight an open war with India. On the other hand Pakistan could not succeed at the diplomatic front as well.

He said that Pakistan may try to induct foreign mercenaries when the monotonous passes open after the snow melts. “We will have to deploy more forces and improve the situation cmor.

y on the ground,” he added.

While the Jammu and Kashmir Gov- General K.V. Krishna Rao (retd) has asked the political parties to gear up for elections in the state, majority of political leaders in the state do not share his optimism. The Governor said that Pakistan’s design to prolong the problems of the people by perpetuating violence would be effectively thwarted with the help of people who are tired of militancy. On the human rights front, he said that the government was sensitive on the issue and already action has been taken against guilty persons. He warned of serious action against those elements in the administration who are found to be involved with the militants. “Such cases are being processed and action would be taken soon,” he said.

On the issue of prevailing corruption in the state administration he replied that the Vigilance Department would not spare any dishonest official.

He urged the politicians to use the electronic media to put across their point of view to people and to counter Pakistani propaganda.

Although a large number of National Conference and the Congress leaders hailing from the Valley did not turn up for the meeting, it was attended by Dr. Mustafa Kamal, brother of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Bodh Raj Bali, Harbans Singh of National Conference, Manget Ram, Yash Paul Khajurla, R.S. Chib, Mirza Abdul Rashid and Diwakar Singh of Con- gress, M.Y: Tarigami of CPI (M). Chaman Lal Gupta of BJP, Ashok Gupta of Shiv Sena, besides those of CPI, Janata Dal and Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A majority of the leaders stressed upon the need to make the administration more responsive to the needs of people. They complained that senior officers including advisors and others were not approachable by the people.

The leaders of various parties attending the meeting opined that there could not be fair elections till militancy in the state was fully brought under control. The National Conference leaders also demanded greater autonomy for the state before going for any polls. Most of the leaders including one from the National Conference also opposed the idea of any interim government before elections.

A senior Congress leader pointed out that politicians from the Kashmir valley should be activated and involved in the political process.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 10, 1995