NEW DELHI: Time is ripe to hold Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as people of the troubled State feel that a democratically elected Government can effectively meet the. Challenge of the militants.
There is a definite improvement in the situation in the valley and the need ‘of the hour is to initiate the political process to bring back people of the State to the national mainstream, Raji Ranjan Sahv, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of the Home Ministry said here last week. “Sahu, who paida five-day visit to the State along with 15 Members of Parliament from various political parties, said that people want democratically elected Government which could help establish direct contact of Legislators ‘with the masses at the grass root level.
The people are alienated from the administration and the popular Government could play an important role to redress their grievances. Mr. Sahu, ‘who visited all the three regions said, the Government must offer economic package to the State for development. If the package is offered’ before the elections, it would generate goodwill ‘and ensure greater participation of the people in the polls.
Sahn, who met political leaders of all parties including the National Conference, the Congress (I), the Janata Dal and other groups, said the Army and para military forces cannot alone check infiltration and curb militancy. They need active support of the people, who have already got fed up with the militants.
He claimed that in filtration in Poonch and Kargil sectors, which are dominated by the Muslims, have been effectively checked due to active cooperation of the local population. Similar cooperation is required in the Valley to flush out militants.
Sahu also favored the alliance of all secular and democratic forces in the elections so as to fight separatist elements effectively. He said that secessionist groups are now disorganized and facing infighting.
The All Party Hurriyat Conference, which claims to be an apex body of 32 organizations, is facing growing infighting, He said the relationship between the militants and the people have changed and the masses are desirous of returning to normalcy.
At the same time there is little rapport between the administration and the people, he further added. The alienation of the administration from the people is very much there and a democratically elected Government can remove this alienation. Sahu also suggested that the Government should initiate a massive employment drive in the State, He said there has been phenomenal increase in unemployment. He also referred problems faced by the people of Kargil.
About 300 villages in the border district are not having drinking water facilities. He said that Ladakh Hill Council, which was established recently, is facing financial problems of funds. Sahu said migrants are living in very miserable conditions in camps in Jammu. Other members of the delegation are Madhavsinh Solanki, Rabi Ray, former minister M.O.H, Farooq and Saifuddin Chaudhry.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 29, 1995
