Daily Excelsior.........State

CM asks security forces
to respect human rights

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 20: Stressing on respect for human rights, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the security forces should not allow their good work to be washed off affected by an isolated incident of human rights violation.......more

Crime Branch conducts
raids, nabs three drug
peddlers from Bishnah

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: In a special drive against menace of drugs, being sold publicly in rural areas of Jammu district, Crime Branch Jammu conducted number of raids in rural areas, after getting specific intelligence...........more

Govt not serious
in KPs’ return: Bhim

Excelsior Correspondent

CSO camp at Army School Jammu Cantt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: The civil defence organisation held a daylong camp in the Army School Jammu Cantt to infuse confidence and courage among the future citizens for braving the challenges of natural calamities and managing the crisis like fire, floods, droughts, accidents, etc here........more

Trade union calls
for 2-day strike

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 20: An umbrella body of employees’ trade unions, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Union Centre (JKTUC) has called for two "lock-out" strike.........more

PM package more than expectations
Separate Tourism
Development Authority for
Jammu soon: PCC chief

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Pradesh Congress Committee president, Peerzada Mohammed Sayeed has said that State got more than what it expected from Prime Minister’s recent package and all the three regions of the State would meet equal justice..................more

BJP protests against
Shankaracharya’s arrest

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today staged a demonstration to protest against the arrest of Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamoti Mutt Jayendra Sarswati.................more

SBI’s district level
review meet held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: District Level Review committee meeting of State Bank of India was held under the auspices of State Bank of India , Lead Bank office, Jammu here today........more

Digitalized Mughal-e- Azam screened at Broadway
Film festival takes off to
colourful start in valley

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov.20: The first ever film festival in the Valley took off to a colourful start with the screening of the recently digitalized Mughal-e-Azam at the Broadway cinema here last evening . The classic Indian movie which has been digitalized with much efforts evoked tremendous response from the audience that included senior civil and paramilitary.....more

CM asks security forces to respect human rights

Excelsior Correspondent

Addressing the passing out parade of Border Security Force cadets here this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that security forces were working round the clock to serve the people and doing an excellent job. However, he said that a single unpleasant incident taking place anywhere holds the potential of washing off all the good work. He asked the security forces to be vigilant and ensure such incidents did not take place. He said that the government has issued clear instructions to the security forces that in dealing with a situation collateral damage should be avoided. He cited several instances including the attack on Alijan Shopping Complex here when the security forces acted patiently and saved many human lives caught in crossfire.

The Chief Minister said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved considerably and complimented the people for speaking out their urge for peace. He said the winds of change have swept the entire sub continent with India and Pakistan coming closer to each other and deciding to resolve their differences through dialogue. He said the confidence building measures taken by the two countries have generated hope and optimism among the people in Jammu and Kashmir who have suffered greatly due to the Indo-Pak hostilities in the past. He said the two countries have committed themselves to peace and the walls of hatred between them are bound to collapse. He described as a very bold initiative the announcement of troop reduction by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh saying it would have a positive impact on the situation.

Mufti Sayeed praised the BSF for its commendable service in Jammu and Kashmir and hoped that the force would continue its good tradition. He said the force personnel undergo rigorous training like the army and while dealing with a situation ensure that civilians were not harmed.

The Chief Minister congratulated the passed out cadets and asked them to uphold the highest traditions of their force.

Speaking on the occasion, the Inspector General, BSF Kashmir said that 671 recruits have passed out today and would serve the country in different areas. The cadets were imparted training for 36 weeks and include one postgraduate, 50 graduates, 341 Inter pass and 279 matriculates.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Range, Javed Makhdoomi and senior police and para-military officers were present.

Crime Branch conducts raids, nabs three drug
peddlers from Bishnah

Excelsior Correspondent

According to DIG Crime and Railways, Gulzar Singh Slathia, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Bishnah, on the basis of specific intelligence, Crime Branch Jammu conducted raids and arrested three persons namely Ajay Kumar son of late Behari Lal Nanda of Ward Number 12, Bishnah, STD proprietor, Kesho Devi wife of late Krishan Lal of Bishnah and Veena wife of late Ramesh Sharma of Bishnah.

It is interesting to that the spread of drugs and drugs abuse in this area is to such an extend that even ladies are selling the drugs. A huge quantity of drugs have been recovered from their possession. The further interrogation of accused persons revealed that drugs are coming from Pathankote in a highly organised manner to almost all parts of Jammu including the urban areas of Jammu.

The STD centers have become the center of drugs peddling. It was further revealed that there was an organised group which has been working in a highly organised manner for drugs peddling in Jammu city at double, trouble rates, thereby causing damage to the health of youth of Jammu and earning huge amount of money.

A case stands registered against the accused persons and some more arrests are expected.

Govt not serious in KPs’ return: Bhim

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Charging ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress Party with implementing agenda of Jamait-e-Islami (JeI), Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) supremo Prof Bhim Singh regretted that instead of initiating efforts for the return of Kashmiri Pandits, these parties have been trying to parmanently settle them outside the Valley.

"JeI also wants Kashmir to be purely a Muslim region and so are the policies of the PDP and Congress", he alleged while addressing a press conference here this morning. "Instead of promising to construct two room flats for Kashmiri Pandits outside Kashmir valley, these parties should initiate efforts for creating congenial atmosphere for return of Kashmiri Pandits in the Kashmir Valley with dignity and honour", he said.

Coming down heavily on PDP-Congress for, what he called, brazenly violating Common Minimum Programme (CMP), Prof Singh said that it was clearly mentioned in the para 10 of the CMP that coalition regime will initiate efforts for return of Kashmiri Pandits with dignity and honour. "It is very unfortunate that State Government is not serious in return of Kashmiri Pandits", he said and pointed out that the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was also instrumental in forming CMP of coalition regime in the State.

Prof Singh demanded that a comprehensive package should be announced for migrants of Jammu region. "Migrants of Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Doda should be treated with Kashmiri migrants" , he demanded and asked the State Government to mitigate miseries of these migrants.

The JKNPP chief hailed the decision of the Prime Minister to lift ban on recruitment and asked the State Government to provide jobs to the unemployed youth of the State. He further demanded that equal distribution of funds should be made for all the three regions of the State. "There should a Joint Parliamentary Commmitte to monitor fund distribution in the State", he said and added that equal treatment should be given to all the regions.

Prof Singh charged the local Congress leaders with mis-feeding Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his visit to the State.

CSO camp at Army School Jammu Cantt

Excelsior Correspondent

During the camp students were acquainted with the methodology to be adopted to ward-off the dangers arising due to natural and accidental calamities. The students were also trained to control the situations that have potential of assuming the proportions of a disaster.

The students were apprised that right management coupled with wit to take decision on the spur of the crisis is the foremost essentiality to grapple with the unwarranted situations.

Awareness on other allied aspects like saving of precious lives, property, plugging of vulnerable areas, control mechanism and immediate relief to the suffers too was delivered to the students of the Army School Jammu Cantt by the officers of the civil defence organization.

The students were also exposed to the handling of fire fighting equipments like fire tenders, delivering of first-aid, rope climbing, dealing with unconscious or accidental personnel as also about the important contacts like hospital authorities, fire services, police and civil authorities who are apt in dealing with such eventualities.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Army School Anu Jandial said that the civil defence organization is doing a commendable service by imparting training to the students to inculcate virtues of courage and conviction to fight boldly with such disasters.

Mrs. Jandial said that civil defence has already attained universal acclamation in rescuing the suffers while they are trapped in calamities like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and even those arising due to war and war like situations.

She said that such training is a must for the girl students especially for their own self-defence and self-reliance.

Trade union calls for 2-day strike

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 20: An umbrella body of employees’ trade unions, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Union Centre (JKTUC) has called for two "lock-out" strike in Jammu and Kashmir on 24th and 25th November against failure of Government to redress their demands.

A spokesman of the JKTUC in a statement here today expressed dismay over lackadaisical attitude of the state Government in solving the long pending demands of employees and workers. He said that even as a high level delegation of the JKTUC met Chief Minister and Finance Minister recently but the Government did nothing to redress their genuine demands.

"We want to clarify that employees and workers are not demanding special concessions and packages but are struggling for their genuine demands like merger of 50 percent DA with basic pay, release of 5 percent DA, release of all installments of COLA in favour of public sector employees and making their services pensionable, and retirement age to be made 60 years," the spokesman said.

He said that as Government was not giving heed to their genuine demands, the JKTUC was left with no option but to call for a two day "lock-out" strike on 24th and 25th November in all the three regions of the state.

Natrang Theatre Festival-2004
‘Neend Kyon Raat Bhar Nahin Aati’ staged

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: On the 9th day of the Natrang Theatre festival, the play " Neend Kyon Raat Bhar Nahin Aati" was performed here today.

Written by Surendra Verma and directed by Arvind Anand this play not only added colour to the festival but also exhibited the control of Natrang artists over varied themes and concept of theatre.

The second performance of this evening was ‘ Hawalat’, directed by Neeraj Kant. The story of morning’s play, reveals the agony of a lonely lady, who is unable to enjoy a peaceful sleep and finds a way to beat this melancholy by picking up the receiver and initiating telephonic conversation with anyone without caring to find out the dialed number. Each time the people on the other end mistake her to be somebody else than she actually is.

To a young man she could be the other woman in his life, for a dejected lover it is her lover ringing up at that hour of late night. Even though she is pained to know that she is frustrated , her suggestion to the young lady is that she should give her lover a chance and enjoy the joys of life. She however, does not reveal her own pathetic feelings.

While she talks to a small child, who is left home alone. She shares the emotions of her separation from her husband and death of her only child. This is in response to a simple question put up by the lonely child. To the amusement of the child, the lady correctly answers all the puzzles put up by the little child.

However, the child is unable to answer the one puzzle which disturbs the lady.

The lady expecting to find some respite to her sorrows through conversation is disappointed and as she peeps into others’ lives she becomes even more miserable.

Unable to bear this dejection, she ends her life. With the death, others are more interested in the news , little understanding the psychic state of young forlorn lady.

Mukulni, Arvind, Suresh, Mukta and Shivali ably performed in the play. Neeraj Kant’s ‘Hawalaat’ also invited wider appreciation from the audience.

Maintain ecological balance: Harsh

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 20: Education Minister Harshdev Singh has called upon the teachers and student community for making collective efforts to initiate vigorous campaign under the banner of "Operation Green Cover" to maintain ecological balance for the sustainability of mankind on this planet.

The Minister was addressing a gathering of students, teachers and locals of village Jaganoo after launching the operation green cover by planting saplings of a Ashoka tree in the premises of Government Higher Secondary School, Jaganoo here today.

The Education Minister said students need to be made aware about the importance of the green cover for the healthy survival of mankind on this earth. He said that this responsibility lies on the shoulders of teaching fraternity and student community.

Mr Singh emphasized that a collective vigorous campaign should be initiated for protecting the environment degradation. He asked the teachers to inculcate among the students virtues of perfect hygiene and cleanliness. He exhorted upon the teachers to comeforward and share the responsibility true and spirit in implementing various schemes and programmes initiated by the education department to achieve universalization of education.

He said present government is committed to improve the educational standard by imparting quality education and added that government has taken various revolutionary steps by introducing English from first primary and a number of schools opened so that students need not cover long distances to receive education.

To repair the boundary wall of Government Higher Secondary School, Jaganoo, the Minister announced an allocation of Rs.50,000 and directed the Executive Engineer, PWD to prepare estimates for the purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Udhampur, Mr Balwant Singh Mankotia lauded the efforts of education Minister in raising the standard of education in the state by opening and upgrading various schools particularly in remote areas by providing adequate staff and other infrastructural requirements. He apprised that the much awaited Jaganoo Ser link road at an estimated cost of Rs.50 lakh would be started soon to facilitate the hitherto neglected villages. He demanded block status for Jaganoo and upgradation of Girls Middle School, Jaganoo to High School level.

The Principal of the school in his welcome address apprised the Minister about the activities of the school. He said the students of the school have excelled both academically and in sports at district and national events.

The Minister also gave away prizes to the meritorious students.

Among others, the District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, local Sarpanchs, Panches and teachers and students attended the function.

Later Mr Harshdev Singh inaugurated a series of upgraded schools to middle standard at Dalpad, Kooh Nullah, Baryal and high school at Dhandal besides inaugurated additional accommodation at government middle school, Jaganoo in district Udhampur.

DyCM for restoring democratic character to cooperatives
Elections to cooperative institutions shortly: Zargar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Under scoring the pivotal role of cooperatives in socio-economic transformation of the society, the Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma today said that elections would shortly be held to restore democratic character of cooperative institutions to make them meet urges and aspirations of the people.

Speaking at the inaugural session of State level cooperative conference, coinciding with the centenary celebrations, 2004 of cooperative movement, here today Mr Sharma said impartial elections were imperative for restoring credibility of cooperative institutions. He said coalition Government would make every possible effort to revive cooperative movement in the State, which has a glorious past. The cooperative structure has been a strong and reliable source of public distribution system but in due course of time un-warranted political interference gave a serious set back to this peoples movement, Mr Sharma said adding that time has now come to restore lost glory to the cooperative movement.

The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar presided the function.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Ajaz Ahmed, Minister for State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Yashpaul Kundal, President J&K Cooperative Union, Mohd Ayub Khan, Principal Secretary Agriculture production, B. B. Viyas, Registrar Cooperative, Dr G. N Qasba, a galaxy of eminent cooperators and a large number of delegates of various cooperative institutions were present.

The conference was organized by J&K Cooperative Union in collaboration with J&K Cooperative Department.

Deputy Chief Minister called for greater involvement of youth in the cooperative movement to make it a strong peoples movement for over all socio-economic emancipation of the State. He also urged for diversification of cooperative activities to withstand challenges of the liberal economy. He assured full cooperation of the Government for strengthening cooperative movement in the State adding that recommendations of the conference would be implemented in letter and spirit.

Mr Zargar while unfolding coalition Government’s vision for revival of cooperative said that J&K Cooperative Self Reliant Cooperative Act (1999) would shortly be amended through an ordinance which would enable cooperative institutions to avail one time financial support from NCDC and other lending agencies. He said present Government is well abreast with the vital role of cooperative in socio-economic scenario of the State and essentiality of this movement has to be annunciated for social, cultural and economic change.

He reiterated that accountability and transparency would be ensured in the cooperative bodies adding that corrupt and lax altitude has no room in the body.

Mr Zargar announced to extend Market Intervention Scheme to every district of Jammu division to provide market support to the fruit growers. He also announced holding of cooperative elections soon after elections to the Municipality and panchayats to restore democratic character of cooperative institutions. Mr B. B Viyas while presenting over view of coalition Government’s plans to revive cooperative in the State said that a concrete policy would shortly be formulated with focus on diversification, awareness education and human resources development in cooperatives. He said after poultry and dairy cooperative, emphasis now is on floriculture cooperatives as this sector has tremendous market potential both within and outside the country.

Dr Sharma to attend international meet at Colombo

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Dr Shakti Dhar Sharma, the veteran Homeopath of Jammu, is invited to attend international conference of Asia Homeopathic Medical League at Colombo from November 26 to November 28, 2004.

Dr Sharma, who was honoured with the master faculty in the earlier meet at Malaysia in 2002. He is honorary invite to this international meet, who has already attended various international meets at Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland and Australia.

Set up monitoring committee for distribution
of funds: JD(U)

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: State Janata Dal United (JDU) urged the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh to set up a high powered monitoring Committee for the proper utilization and maintaining a check on the misuse of the funds sanctioned for the development of J&K by the Centre.

Addressing a press conference along with Party state secretary general Dr A K Khuru, , Rahat Hussian and Rajinder Sharma, JD state president Sanjesh Gupta said the Monitoring Committees be appointed at all levels by the Centre and every penny advanced and spent should be accounted for.

He said the State Government’s failure to set up the Accountability Commission and find a proper person to head the same speaks about the insincerity and callousness of the Government in this regard.

Mr Gupta said his party has also demanded that these funds be equally distributed in all the three regions of the state and the developmental projects in the Jammu region be taken due care of as the region has been subjected to discrimination for last 57 years.

Welcoming PM’s announcement to declare Jammu as the pilgrim centre and development of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on the pattern of Tirupati, the Party demanded that entire Jammu region be brought on the map of pilgrim tourism.

The Party has also demanded setting up of regional councils for equal share of political power in the state.

However he said the Party did not favour the reduction of army from the state saying the situation was not conducive for the same as yet.

He said the Government should take this initiative only after the militancy is completely rootedout and cross border terrorism ends.

Pak opposition calls for inclusion of Kashmiris
in dialogue process

ISLAMABAD, Nov 20: Pakistan’s opposition parties today called for resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions, asking Islamabad and New Delhi to ensure participation of Kashmiris in the dialogue process.

The opposition’s demand came as the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) leadership met in Islamabad and decided to launch a country-wide movement for the repeal of 17th Amendment Bill and the restoration of the 1973 Constitution and genuine democracy in Pakistan.

"The ARD summit has passed a resolution underlining the need for resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the UN resolution instead of looking at other options," ARD chief Makhdoom Amin Fahim told reporters in Islamabad after the meeting.

He said any process, which may be set into motion for the settlement of the Kashmir issue without including Kashmiris will not be accepable, adding that Pakistan and India must ensure their participation in the talks. Speaking at a seminar organized by South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) in Lahore, President Pervez Musharraf also called for the inclusion of all Kashmiri groups, particularly the Hurriyat Conference in the process to find a just and amicable solution of the Kashmir issue.

The ARD, which comprises of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) of former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Mohammad Nawaz Sharif respectively, decided to hold public rallies in the cities of Peshawar, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sialkot, Sukkur and Sargodha in December-January to press for their demands - the repeal of the 17th Amendment and restoration of the Constitution, which existed before the October 12,1999 military coup by General Pervez Musharraf.

President Musharraf had successfully pushed through Parliament the controversial 17th Amendment Bill, also known as the Legal Framework Order (LFO) last December, which granted sweeping powers to him.

The ARD had boycotted the vote on the bill, approved by Parliament after the six-party Islamic opposition alliance Muttahida Majlis-e-Ammal’s (MMA) agreed to support the Government on the issue in return for Musharraf’s commitment to shed his military uniform by December 2004.

However, after his recent indication that he would not hang his uniform as 90 per cent of the people of Pakistan want him to continue as Army chief, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Q) managed to get approval of a legislation from Parliament, which allows Musharraf to hold both the presidency and the Army chief’s office.

Both the ARD and MMA boycotted the vote and vowed to launch a struggle against the Government. MMA, which announced a country-wide mass contact movement from November 28 against Musharraf for violating the commitment he had made in December last year. Mr Fahim said ARD is also ready to launch a joint struggle with MMA but for this purpose the religious alliance would have to join ARD’s campaign.

His announcement came as the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly and central MMA leader Maulana Fazalur Rehman met Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in the Parliament house this evening.

Sources said that the Prime Minister asked Maulana Rehman to attend the upcoming meeting of the National Security Council, being held later this month. According to the current composition, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly represents his colleagues in the country’s highest decision making body, formed under the 17th Amendment Bill.

He had boycotted the last session of the NSC, and President Musharraf, who is chairman of the Council had openly expressed his displeasure over the decision.

The meeting took place in the backdrop of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s invitation of dialogue on national issues to the opposition in his last night’s address to the nation.

MMA sourcs said Rehman apprised the Prime Minister of the alliance’s grievances with particular reference to ‘the sense of betrayal’ among the religious leaders over the violation of Musharraf’s commitment on the uniform issue.

Aziz had yesterday told the nation that his Government was introducing a new culture in the country where there would be no place for political vendetta. (UNI)

ABVP announces Sunil Upadhaya Gyan Pratiyogita results

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has announced the results of State level Sunil Upadhaya Gyan Pratiyogita.

In the category of 11th and 12th standards, Antriksh Sudan of Guru HS Public School Poonch, won the first prize while second and third prizes were bagged by Sunny Saraf of Anuradha Mission Public School Poonch and Hilesh Chanana of RSJN School Kathua, respectively.

Consolation prizes were announced to Tarun Gupta of SRML HSS Jammu, Eshan Sharma of RSJW School Kathua and Manmeet Singh of SGHP School Poonch.

In the category of 9th and 10th standard, Nikhil Sharma of LFC School, Ambedkar Colony, Udhampur, clinched the first slot while Shibani Raina of Anuradha Mission School Bantalab Jammu and Navdeep Singh of A P S Udhampur were adjudged second and third winner, respectively.

For the consolation prizes, names of Priyanka Rajput of Himalayan Model Academy, Domail, Amit Pandita of DBN Vidya Mandir Jammu and Ashish Sharma of Aryan Oriental High School Udhampur, were announced.

The awards comprise Rs 1500, Rs 1000 and Rs 500 for Ist, second and third, respectively. The awards will be given to the winners during a State level function at Kathua on December 14.

About 7000 students from 20 different places and various educational institutions, had participated in the Gyan Pratiyogita which was held on September 26, 2004.

News Analysis
Delhi for reconstruction of J&K economy
But separatists love to extol Pakistan

By B L Kak

Protagonists of the Indo-Kashmir link were not surprised when the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, undertook his maiden visit to the Valley on November 17 and publicly announced the Rs 24,000 crore economic plan for the restive State. It is the indisputable fact of history that India spent billions of rupees in Kashmir since 1953 to defend the State’s frontiers, to run the administration, to feed the people, and to improve the economy in the State.

However, as the number of Islamist hardliners registered a phenomenal increase particularly after the outbreak of militancy and insurgency in Kashmir towards the end of 1989, the Valley-based pro-Pakistan ‘patriots’ left none in doubt about their intention and design to keep anti-India pot boiling. And most of these ‘patriots’ made it clear, more often than not, that it was an article of faith that their homeland (Kashmir) should form part of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Obviously, it was in this context that Manmohan Singh let it be known in Srinagar itself that while his Government was keen in inspiring confidence in the people of Kashmir, they (Kashmiris) would be safe and happy by continuing to remain with India. The significant talking point was not the Rs 24,000 crore economic plan that the Prime Minister brought along so much as the promise of creating 24,000 new employment opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. This will have to be studied in the context of the fact that the link between the swelling ranks of the educated unemployed and the rising level of militancy has already become an open secret.

Islamist separatists, particularly the self-proclaimed representatives of the Kashmiri masses, instead of appreciating the Indian Prime Minister’s eagerness for a massive economic boom in the troubled State with the help of Government of India, chose to rake up emotive political issues. Even as the Prime Minister scrupulously avoided talking of limiting a solution within the ambit of the Constitution, the Hurriyat leaders acted in a manner as to project Manmohan Singh in a far-from-satisfactory style. Obviously, they had not expected the Prime Minister to emphasise that the intention of the interlocutors should be ‘genuine’ and thay they should have a commitment to the ‘restoration of peace’.

And even as the Prime Minister reiterated that he and his Government were ready to talk, without any pre-conditions, with any leader and group in Kashmir, the Hurriyat leaders wanted Manmohan Singh to act on the lines of his Pakistani counterpart, Shaukat Aziz, who had formally invited the Kashmiri separatist leaders to hold discussions with him during his forthcoming trip to New Delhi. Leaders like Maulvi Umar Farooq, Maulvi Abbas Ansari and Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat, though having been categorised as moderates among the separatists, have found it difficult to extol India.

On the other hand, they and others in the secessionist camp do not fight shy while praising Pakistan enthusiastically. Much significance will have to be attached to a dramatic development, which, during the Prime Minister’s stay in the State, culminated in the emergence of 'unity' between the Hurriyat doves and hawk camp led by the virulent hard-liner, Sayed Ali Shah Geelani. Chief of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference, Maulvi Umar Farooq, was quoted as saying, after his closed door meeting with Geelani, that the erstwhile united Hurriyat was "never closer as on today," since the split. And the Maulvi provided a good copy to mediapersons with his announcement on the eve of Manmohan Singh's return to Delhi: "Together, we are planning to meet Pakistan Prime Minister during his visit to Delhi".

That Pakistan High Commission in Delhi continues to be in constant touch with important separatist leaders of Kashmir has once again been established with formal invitations sent to them for talks, in the Indian capital, with Pakistan Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz. This development was, significantly, followed by the announcement in Srinagar about the Hurriyat's decision to depute a 'full delegation' to New Delhi for talks with the Pak Premier. The announcement came at a time when the Hurriyat leaders had voiced their disappointment with Manmohan Singh's visit to the State.

Convincing, indeed, was the argument advanced by the National Conference president and former Union Minister of State for external Affairs, Omar Abdullah, after the Hurriyat Conference made public its disappointment. Omar Abdullah said that the Hurriyat disappointment was predictable as they "are used to being treated a little differently by Pakistan". Again, it will not be surprising if the forthcoming talks between Pak Premier and Hurriyat delegation will lead to animated whispers and discussions, both in the political class and official quarters.

New Delhi has had no problem in Pakistani leaders meeting with Hurriyat leaders in the past. The Pakistani-Hurriyat engagement in New Delhi, it is not unknown, has been continuing unhindered with Pakistan Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, and Pak Foreign Secretary, Riaz Khokhar, having met all shades of the Hurriyat and separatist opinion.

Pakistan Prime Minister, who was earlier scheduled to arrive on November 22, will now come in from the Maladives by a special aircraft on the afternoon of November 23. During his stay in Delhi, the Manmohan Singh Government will have no objection to his meeting with Hurriyat leaders.

Most leaders of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) are not against holding talks with the Congress-led coalition Government at the Centre. But their emphasis is on the demand: If Government of India invited them "properly", they would "certainly" join the talks. The question which calls for a clear answer is: Will the Hurriyat group demonstrate a greater degree of autonomy of thinking and behaviour, if this conglomerate wants to be taken seriously as a voice of the separatist sentiment?

Maulvi Umar Farooq and likeminded leaders in Kashmir want the present United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre to respect NDA's terms and not backtrack from what they had mutually agreed with the Vajpayee Government. These leaders will have to admit that the two rounds of talks the Hurriyat had with L K Advani in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister in the NDA Government did not produce any tangible results.

It must also be admitted that by setting a bold and decisive tone for his Government's approach to Kashmir, Manmohan Singh can set at rest any fears about a lack of commitment to dialogue on his Government's part.