Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 29: Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader, Dr Karan Singh (MP) has said that Government of India must initiate dialogue process in Kashmir whether at national, State or regional levels and some urgent initiatives are needed to be taken to start the process.
Dr Singh, who was in Kashmir for the last four days met cross sections of people and also Governor N N Vohra and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and many members of civil society. He had good interaction with a wide spectrum of people there.
“I benefited greatly from my interactions and took careful note of the sentiments that were expressed by all. The common theme was deep concern regarding Article 35A, which is under consideration of the Supreme Court,” Dr Singh maintained.
“While senior Government authorities have publicly assured that Kashmir’s sentiments in this matter will be respected, the fact is that the final say will be of the Apex Court and the Government of India has not so far filed any affidavit. There was a demand that the Union Government must put up a strong defence of the Article before the Court,” he added.
“In discussions regarding the present political situation in the Valley, almost all the people I met suggested that it was important to open talks with the Hurriyat leaders, although it seems that they have not yet publicly expressed their willingness to talk with Government of India representatives. In my view, talks are to be welcomed, whether at national, State or regional levels, whether at track one or track two. Some urgent initiatives need to be taken to start the process,” veteran Congress leader maintained.
Dr Singh pointed out that there was general dismay that for the second year in row, the tourist influx into the Valley has virtually collapsed. This has deprived Kashmir of thousands of crores of rupees income as well as extensive employment, spread across all sections of society from five-star hotels to the Shikara and pony workers. This is cruel blow to the economy of the Valley and one can only hope that at least from next year all elements who have genuine sentiments for the welfare of Kashmiris will ensure that peace and stability is restored there. It is also shocking that beautiful Dal lake is shrinking every day.
Dr Singh further said, “I did mention during my meetings that the sentiments of Jammu and Ladakh have to be factored in when we address all the current issues. Unfortunately, the unanimous demand for declaring Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday as public holiday, as is Sheikh Abdullah’s, fell on deaf ears. This is tri-regional State and all sentiments must always be taken into account,” he maintained.
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