‘It isn't as if Srinagar has been handed over to the army; we've only asked for it to stand by and demonstrate its presence.'
Ever since he took office in 2008, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has spent much of his time fending off crisis. Last summer, the alleged rape-murder of two south Kashmir women sparked off rioting across several parts of the State; this summer, street clashes have claimed more than 20 lives. Last week, the Jammu and Kashmir government called out the army to assist it in dealing with clashes in Srinagar — the first time the military has ever been deployed there in that role. In an interview to The Hindu, Mr. Abdullah explained the reasons behind the decision and his view of the way forward.
Why did the State government ask for the army's assistance to curb the ongoing protests in Srinagar and some other cities — something never resorted to in the last two decades?
We had credible information that there was a concerted effort by some parties to spread the agitation out of the urban pockets it is concentrated in, out into Kashmir's interior. This was a matter of great concern to us because the Amarnath Yatra is under way.
Had some miscreants attacked pilgrims in interior areas, it could have had grave consequences across the entire State. It isn't as if Srinagar has been handed over to the army; we've only asked for it to stand by and demonstrate its presence.
It is hard to understand why such extraordinary action was needed this year. After all, Jammu and Kashmir has seen such protests for some years now.
That's true — but we've also learned from the experience of past years. The Amarnath Yatra places a huge strain on our police. We've managed, in the past, by pulling the army out of counter-terrorism duties, but discovered that this gives terrorists a chance to regroup over the summer. This year, we did not want a situation arising where we had to pull soldiers out of the tasks they are here for. It was therefore necessary to act pre-emptively.
Some of your critics say the decision was taken in panic; without due reflection. It has also been said that Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram differed with you on the decision.
Last week, we reached a point where our police forces were stretched to the limit in Srinagar. Given the escalating protests, we had to take a call.
If we had done nothing, and matters had gone out of hand, you would be criticising us for being indecisive and not planning ahead. Like me, Mr. Chidambaram wanted to avoid a situation where the army was brought into conflict with the population. I think we have addressed that concern.
What can be done now? The People's Democratic Party has rejected appeals by both you and the Prime Minister to participate in an all-party dialogue.
It is unfortunate that Mehbooba Mufti has chosen to do so; that's all I have to say, really. I spoke to her personally. The Prime Minister also appealed to her. I earnestly hope, even at this late stage, that they will reconsider their decision. The violence is hurting ordinary Kashmiris, most of all our young people. We need to put our heads together and see what can be done. I hope, at the all-party meeting on Monday, we will get constructive suggestions that will help the government move forward. We have a very difficult situation on our hands. The mainstream parties do not have much influence in the areas that are disturbed. Even the moderate secessionists do not have much influence there. I'm open to all ideas to end the violence.
Do you think New Delhi should, as Mehbooba Mufti has suggested, play a greater role?
I think the PDP was greatly aided by the dialogue that took place between India and Pakistan during President Pervez Musharraf's time in office. Sadly, circumstances in Pakistan are such that the India-Pakistan dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir may not yield a very substantial outcome any time soon. New Delhi should keep trying.
In the meanwhile, I think New Delhi should do all it can to engage all shades of opinion, including the separatists. I know the separatists themselves have not been very helpful but every effort should be made to bring them into a dialogue.
Keywords: Kashmir, separatists, violent clashes, Omar Abdullah, all-party meet
I don't know much about Omar though from his diplomatic interview he would also be like other Indian politicians but I am fed up with listening again and again about violence in Kashmir and now every limit is crossed. Why doesn't India give Kashmiris what they want even if they want to separate out?
kashmir is the heaven on earth for betterment of people state and central government do work in cooperative manner and work to save innocent,stone pelting is basically due to the illetracy ammong the youth of the kashmir ,they must be given right ideas to settle in society..........
A politician is always a politician whether He is in Srinagar or Delhi. Giving different statements in Kashmir and to media has neither ended the voilence nor made the politician strong. It is just ridiculous Abdullah family which did so evil that a common man suffers nowadays in KASHMIR...Dont be hypocrite. if Omar has ability let him lead but we see that today Kashmir is not lead by Omar, it is Syed Geelani sahab
Living far far away from Kashmir and completely oblivious (but not ignorant) to the plight of the people of Kashmir, I ask myself quite often (my apologies for being naive) but, "How can it be that I leave so peacefully in my not-so-perfect part of India" and "Why is it so terribly difficult for Kashmiris to find peace?" Why? Why? Why? Someone from Kashmir or India will certainly give me thousands of reasons, but my feeling is that unless people of Kashmir realize that trying to living in peace in their own Kashmir is more rewarding and important then marching hate India rallies. I wonder what they hate most: peace or Indian rule. The youth of Kashmir must give peace a chance. Shun violence. Walk with the rest of India. I come from a very remote village in India, yet I have come this far (researcher in Germany). And at no point I felt that India is hostile to me, and I don't see why a Kashmiri youth can't achieve what I have achieved. 20 years of violence, how much more do you want to mar the future of coming generations.
Army or no army, violence must end in Kashmir. Streets of Kashmir surging with mobsters is no sudden development. There certainly are political reasons for this turmoil. Unfortunately we are expecting positive role from the very forces which are responsible for fomenting ongoing crisis in Kashmir. If we really mean to restore peace and stability in Kashmir, we will have to stop being hypocritical and quell violence, whatever the cost
i think OMAR ABDULLAH should take a eminent action being C.M of kashmir,and should order to minacle the people who r creating nonsence in such a beautiful state.......and OMAR must communicate with the local ppl as such a thing gives ppl a positive vibes and hope to change their attitude........
The fact is Omar Abdullah has lost the peoples mandate, which actually he never had. Getting some odd 25,000 votes from more than 700,000 from Srinagar is not what you call mandate. Delhi is completely confused about what to do next. As we wait as mute spectators, we allow the blood bath on the streets of Kashmir, making the situation worse and have to face the world with our face stooped with shame.
I agree with Omar's decision and who says that the protests were peaceful.
At the time the army was called during the peaceful protest against the innocent killings in Kashmir, Omar stated that army was called only to maintain the situation in order. I fail to understand why he makes different statements. This is ridiculous.
Please Email the Editor