Since Monday greater responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for making the dialogue on J&K a success.
There is no scope for any misstep.
This time around Mehbooba is facing the most crucial test of her political career, when she should not only act but should also be seen as Chief Minister of the entire Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh included.
It is true that opening of talks with separatists was the core agenda of her party and the government for that holds a possible key to defuse flames of the unrest which has different names —- insurgency, Pakistan’s proxy war, violent militancy, mass uprising, street protests and terrorism.
She was in the forefront of seeking a dialogue for the Kashmir solution. At the same time she is expected to promote those who ensured peace and rebuffed the severest of provocations from militants and separatists alike in Jammu and Ladakh.
The people in the peaceful regions of Ladakh and Jammu are feeling alienated and distressed as they have risked their economy, emotions and religious and regional issues for the sake of the unity of the state. The political and vote bank preferences should not cloud the sense of justice or equal opportunities for all.
Mehbooba should not be seen speaking for the militants and their families only. She should have spoken for the policemen’s families too, not just for striking a balance but as a matter of conviction too. While trying to bring misguided youth back to their homes and normal life is her duty, she also has a duty towards the policemen. Mere recruitment of young boys into the police is not enough. They also deserve dignity and safety of their lives. Restraining the law enforcement agencies from excesses to avoid bad blood is good but much more was expected of her. The policemen and their families in Kashmir are facing tough times. Her PDP party men and their families are undergoing terrible times too. They are being shot, harassed, and their houses are being targeted. All this has deepened the sense of insecurity in the common man. During the course of the upcoming dialogue by the ex-spy chief Dineshwar Sharma , the Chief Minister has an added responsibility to facilitate talks in a quiet manner. Silence and secrecy will pay dividends. Once peace or the semblance of it is restored, the credit will come to her. Owning the process for political purposes is good for a politician but that should be away from the glare of cameras.
Sharma needs her advice to succeed. She is a grass-roots politician of standing and has vast knowledge of the people and the place.
Separatists hold the key to the credibility of the talks. They need to be persuaded to join the dialogue for peace. Mehbooba can do this.
Pakistan has told India that unless it is involved in talks, the whole process will be a “wastage of time”. Separatists have obliged Pakistan with their silence because they are aware of the consequences of defying Rawalpindi.
Time has come when Mehbooba should help them shed their fear and tell Pakistan that Rawalpindi should not play a spoilsport. As a Kashmiri politician her voice will carry weight.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti needs to stand taller
