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J&K coalition of civil society seeks steps before dialogue

Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society has made it clear that it is in favour of dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue, but has sought some steps before the process could take off.

At a daylong interaction it organised here on Sunday, lawyers, academics, journalists, traders, writers and students said there was no substitute for dialogue, but the Government of India must “restore its credibility vis-À-vis dialogue.” “Its [the government’s] record has not been so good,” was the refrain. Some suggested that the gun was not a solution and its role had ended, but a majority of the speakers said New Delhi must revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), withdraw troops from civilian areas and release political prisoners.

“We don’t doubt the people who are for dialogue, but acknowledge the dispute as well,” said senior lawyer Zaffar A. Shah said. He said nothing should be done to further erode the credibility of dialogue.

He suggested that first a group of Civil Society members initiate talks with New Delhi, and the “resistance political leadership” could take over later. “We need to push forward the process, but unless steps to withdraw security forces from civilian areas, release prisoners and revoke the AFSPA are taken, this cannot move ahead.” “We need to know what New Delhi is ready to give us.”

Inayatullah Balroo, a representative of traders from Baramulla, said the gun was not the solution and only dialogue could help, but the Centre must be sincere.

Abdur Rashid of Global Peace Foundation, Handwara, asked the participants not to talk about the Hurriyat leadership which he said had no role in the process. “It is because of the sacrifices of the people, the Kashmir issue is being discussed. We should go ahead with dialogue, but take the people all over the State into confidence, and status quo is not a solution.”

Many others felt that that “the struggle for right to self-determination should go ahead, as New Delhi has never been sincere in resolving the problem politically.”

Zarif Ahmad Zarif, a poet, said: “We should be ready for dialogue and should have the capacity to take all shades of opinion along.” He called upon the Civil Society to prepare the ground for talks.

Abdul Qadeer of People’s Rights Movement, which comprises the released militants, said: “We have not made sacrifices for strengthening Indian rule. But we are not against the dialogue.”

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