Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 19: The Central leadership has shown “maturity” in defusing tensions along the LoC with Pakistan following the brutal killing of two Indian soldiers, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said.
“You cannot expect India to ignore what was done to its soldiers on the LoC in Jammu,” he said of India’s reaction after the incident.
He was speaking at a “Young Changemakers Conclave” organised in collaboration with the UN Information Centre for India.
“There has been a bit of tension (on the LoC), justifiably so (as) nobody joins the Army of any country to be beheaded. They join the Army to defend the country (and) there is a dignity even in soldering. You cannot expect India to ignore what was done to its soldiers on the LoC in Jammu.
“That having being said, the response (of India) has been been mature and the two Directors General of Military Operation have talked… The tension on the LoC has reduced and its a good sign,” he said while answering questions from the audience.
“I believe the leadership that we have in India today is far more mature than to do something silly as to go to war because of this incident,” he said in reply to a question from a youngster.
Responding to a question about the fate of Kashmiri Pandits, who had to leave the Valley at the onset of militancy in 1990, Omar said, “I cannot force you (Kashmir Pandit) to come back to Kashmir but I can encourage you to come. You guys need to decide when you want to come back.
He made it clear that for the past 10 years no Kashmiri Pandit had fallen prey to bullets of militants “for being a Kashmiri Pandit.”
“It’s for you guys to decide when you want to come back…And if you want to give the place (Kashmir) a chance,” he said in his reply.
The question was posed by a youth from the Kashmiri Pandit community which is observing ‘Holocaust Day’, 22 years of exodus from the Valley.
“Politicians are not worried about candles, they are far worried about your votes,” Omar said wrly before the audience.
The Chief Minister made some candid comments in the backdrop of lighting of candles by protesters during the outpouring of anger at India Gate and Jantar Mantar here and across the country in the wake of the Delhi gang-rape incident.
“Like it or not but politicians really aren’t worried about candles…They really aren’t, I wish they were but they are not. They are far more worried about how you vote,” Omar said.
The National Conference leader said politicians generally tend to believe that public protest will die down at some point of time but if the general public is serious enough “it is impossible for politicians to ignore voices”.
Omar also wanted greater participation of youth in efforts to usher in change.
“If you come out and make yourselves heard you will not be ignored. You will be able to drive the change that you want to see. But you don’t. Then don’t blame us for ignoring you because like it or not politicians will listen to voices that reach them.
If you remain silent or if you go along with things just because others do it then you won’t be heard. Then you will not be a part of change. Then you will not be a part of solution,” the Chief Minister said.
Omar said he believes that the present generation will vote for someone who performs.
“I think your generation is one which will rise above other considerations. You won’t vote because you like the religion, caste (of a candidate),” he said. “I hope you don’t vote because you like the looks of a politician,” a blushing Omar added.
Omar said it is generally considered that public protests are like a bottle of soda where once the fizz is gone it is often a flat and tasteless liquid.
“You have to change that. You have to be a part of process so that we take you seriously,” he said.
Omar said the graph of violence during the last some years have shown gradual decrease and measures were on to maintain the peaceful situation and strike fine balance between the availability of security forces and the demand of the situation. He said the incidents of violence have been less than five percent now as against their numbers in 2002. However, he said that militancy has not totally ended in the Valley.
Replying a question on human rights, he said that in order to reply the questions pertaining to human rights and satisfy the different queries on this subject, he has been advocating constitution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission. “It is for the reason of finding answers to so many questions relating to various aspects of human rights, I am time and again advocating constitution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission”, he said.
Omar said that participation of youth is imperative to make difference on socio-economic spectrum of the country. “You have to come forward, participate in the field you choose with commitment and determination and be instrumental in the positive change”, he told the young people asking them to take part in strengthening democracy and bringing positivity in it by exercising their right to vote in large numbers. “Your participation in election process in a large numbers is all the more necessary to bring the required change”, he added.
Describing youth agents of change and means of bringing positivity and transparency in socio-economic and political scenario of the country, he underlined their role as managers of new world order with ‘do more’ its buzz word.
“We are at the threshold of transformation and our human resource has already cast its impact globally”, he said emphasizing the need of nurturing, grooming and encouraging younger generation to take over as capable, careful and delivering managers in the process of development, social reforms and public good. He underscored the importance of larger participation of youth in all fields of life to realize this goal.
The Chief Minister gave elaborated replies to other questions put to him by the young participants pertaining to various socio-political and economic aspects of Jammu and Kashmir. He also shared his personal experience in political and other fields of life with the young leaders.
Two hundred young leaders, students, entrepreneurs, diplomats, social activists and media representatives together with experts from business, politics, sports, public policy and arts are participating in the conclave.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel