J&K deputy CM Nirmal Singh says new interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma is free to talk to anyone and that his predecessors offered no political solution to problems on the ground.
Jammu and Kashmir deputy CM Nirmal Singh believes the newly-appointed interlocutor, Dineshwar Sharma, will prove more effective than his predecessors and that the steps taken to ensure peace in the Valley will bear fruits by the end of 2018. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with Assistant Editor Pragya Kaushika:
Do you believe that new interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma will be able to provide some solutions to the problems in the state?
We took a practical approach in appointing the interlocutor and the time is ripe to resolve the state’s problems. We believe this move will yield results. Previous interlocutors were appointed when the Congress was in power. It was their (government’s) responsibility to look into reports submitted by the interlocutors. The last report was submitted in 2012 and two years later we took over.
What did the government do this time?
We took into consideration the prevailing conditions in the state. Earlier, no one was able to speak openly for fear of being targeted by terrorists, as was the case with Abdul Ghani Lone or Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq (they were killed by gunmen). After we took over, the situation was brought under control.
The second most important thing is: we have a decisive leadership under PM Narendra Modi. It makes a huge difference because the Centre extends its support to the steps taken by the state. In the past 70 years, the Congress has made a mess of the state’s affairs and promoted separatism. We have appointed an interlocutor at a time when there could actually be a dialogue, paving the way for a solution.
What is the problem with previous interlocutors’ reports?
Previous reports gave just recommendations and there offered no political solution to the situation on the ground. For instance, Jammu’s aspirations were not addressed. The reports put more focus on the economic side of the problem and relief packages. Today, we have greater acceptability among people of J&K and I believe a solution can be reached soon.
Will the Hurriyat be part of the dialogue and will the interlocutor consider that?
The interlocutor is independent and free to take his own decisions. We have given him complete freedom to speak to whosoever he deems fit.
What is your government planning regarding Article 35 (A)?
As the matter is sub judice, it would be inappropriate to comment on it. Ours is a coalition government and we have decided to maintain a status quo on this issue. But we have to accept the fact that nothing has been done for Kashmir barring appeasement politics. The previous Congress governments had encouraged separatism. If Sardar Patel had his say, there would not have been so much disintegration in India as we have witnessed over the years.
Do you believe if BJP had majority in J&K, things would have been different?
Definitely. See, ours is a coalition government. We have formed an alliance on issue of governance. It is not an ideological alliance. Our priority is to maintain law and order, check separatist tendencies and terrorism as well as to ensure development in the state. We just got two-and-a-half years to govern and the PM is still holding meetings in Delhi on issues related to J&K.
Do you think there are attacks on men in uniform in the garb of protests against braid chopping incidents?
This could be one of the possibilities and we are investigating all angles as we have found that a few security personnel were attacked. But I need to know where the “azadi” chanting gang is and why they are still silent on this issue. Women are really scared and doctors have called it a hysteria since the victims have not seen the perpetrators.
Similar reports came from Haryana and Rajasthan too. But Kashmir is a state where rumour-mongering really works as people tend to believe whatever they hear. Anyone can create fear psychosis here. Opposition has to act responsibly as they should understand that it is the people who are suffering.