*Excessive use of force not acceptable: Azad
NEW DELHI, July 18:
Rejecting ‘plebiscite’ demands as an “outdated” idea, the Government today asserted that Kashmiris are “our own people” who are being “misguided” as it blamed Pakistan for the unrest in the Valley and said all parties will be taken along in dealing with the situation.
The issue of 10-day-old unrest in Kashmir resonated in Rajya Sabha on the opening day of the Monsoon session, with the House taking up urgent discussion during which the opposition slammed the Government and pressed for holding an all-party meet while pitching for a political solution rather than using “barrel of the gun”.
The opposition, while attacking Pakistan for fanning trouble in Kashmir, asked the Government to initiate a political process and direct security forces to exercise restraint while dealing with protests.
Replying to the debate, Home Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed that while militancy will be dealt with sternly, there should be “no instant” use of bullets while dealing with mobs which should first be tackled by the use of teargas and water cannons.
The use of pellet guns, which have been blamed for most civilian injuries, would be looked into, regarding which he will talk to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, he said.
Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he himself had asked security forces to exercise maximum restraint in dealing with mob violence which started after the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8.
The Home Minister said he had, on Saturday last, expressed desire to visit Kashmir and have a dialogue with the people directly. Mehbooba, while welcoming the offer, told him that after the situation normalises a bit, she will come to Delhi and have a meeting with him to discuss in what format talks can be held, he said.
“Whatever is happening in Kashmir is Pakistan-sponsored. The name is ‘Pakistan’, but its acts are ‘na-pak’ (not pious),” Singh said.
Referring to the demands for ‘plebiscite’, he ruled it out, saying it is “outdated” and people of Kashmir are being “misguided” on this issue.
“Kashmiris are our own people. We will bring them on the right path… We will make them aware of the reality,” he said.
Invoking Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s famous remarks of ‘Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat and Insaniyat’ (Kashmiriyat, Democracy and Humanity), he said “If there is any place for Kashmiriyat in ‘Jamhooriyat’ (Democracy), it can be only on the basis of ‘Insaniyat’ (humanity) and not ‘Haivaniyat’ (Devilish acts). Those believing in Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat, cannot give space to haivaniyat.”
Earlier, initiating the discussion, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said while his party stands with the Government and the PDP-BJP coalition in the State in dealing firmly with militancy, the “excessive use” of force against the common citizens, including children and women, is not acceptable.
For the current unrest, the Congress leader blamed a number of reasons including BJP’s participation in Government with PDP in the State, provocative statements made by some leaders of BJP and RSS besides Pakistan, “whose existence is the root cause of all problems.”
He underlined that Kashmir cannot be ruled “through the barrel of the gun or bullets” and demanded that responsibility be fixed for “excessive use” of force.
Azad said the “bullets that are meant for militants should not be used against our own people in Kashmir”. He even questioned why such bullets and pellet guns were not used in Haryana which had witnessed large scale Jat violence over quota in February.
Azad also demanded all-party meeting on the issue, a sentiment echoed by almost all other parties. Some demanded sending of an all-party delegation to Kashmir.
Azad also blamed TV channels for whipping up passion through talk shows. This sentiment was echoed by members of various other political parties also.
Leader of House Arun Jaitley admitted that the situation in Kashmir was a “matter of concern” but rejected the contention that the violence in the Valley was a result of the BJP getting into power at the State.
Asserting that efforts are underway to restore normalcy at the earliest, he said the entire country should speak in one voice at this time and common man should not be made to suffer there.
Asking the youth to stay away from the agitation which is being held against the killing of a militant, he said, “When thousands of people attack the police, then understandably, there will be action. The fight is between the country and the separatists and common people are standing with the country which is in national interest.”
“We want everybody and every party’s support on Kashmir. We will engage with all parties and take everyone along on bringing normalcy in Kashmir,” the Home Minister said, while welcoming all statements by leaders to bring normalcy in the Valley.
With regard to pellet injuries, particularly the eye injuries, he said he will look into the damage caused by it but could not say anything off-hand.
He, however, cited some study which had said that in the year 2010, six people had been killed, 198 were injured and 5 blinded because of the use of pellet guns.
He said a team of eye specialists has already been sent to Kashmir and the Central Government is ready to send even a special plane to airlift any number of people requiring specialised treatment for eyes as also other injuries.
Singh said the Centre is ready to extend all help to the State Government in meeting the situation, including the provision of essential commodities in the curfew-bound Valley.
With regard to prohibitions on newspapers and mobile internet in Kashmir, he said it should not happen and that he will discuss this issue too with the Chief Minister.
He asserted that militancy will be dealt with sternly and Pakistan should not interfere in India’s internal affairs.
Jaitley, the Minister for Finance, said he agrees with Azad that Kashmir situation is “serious” and that things were fine till recently.
“But, thinking that everything is wrong only since the formation of the PDP-BJP Government is incorrect,” he said.
Referring to Azad’s contention that PDP-BJP Government was a “misfit”, Jaitley, the Minister for Finance, said mathematics of the poll results were such that only two parties (BJP and PDP) could join to form a Government.
“You (Congress) also joined hands with National Conference and PDP because you knew that national parties need to work with these regional parties. We have differences with the PDP just like you (Congress) did with PDP and NC… But for the idea of India, we joined hands,” he said.
Attacking Pakistan, Jaitley said ever since Independence, it has “never reconciled to the fact that Kashmir is an integral part of India. And hence they go to every extent to disrupt India and Kashmir’s progress. When they (Pakistan) saw that they couldn’t win a conventional war, they resorted to terrorism and militancy.”
Rajnath Singh, while slamming Pakistan for its “irresponsible” role, questioned its claim to be the “protector of Islam”, asking “How can a country claim to be protector of Islam when it was born on the basis of religion, when it is witnessing bloodshed in the name of religion.”
He questioned how Pakistan could claim to be concerned about Muslims in India when it itself could not remain united despite being a Muslim nation.
Asking Pakistan to lay off, Singh said, “It is for the Government of India to look after minorities of India and we will do so, whether it is Muslims, Sikhs, Christians or anybody.”
He asked the minorities to “keep faith” in the Government, cautioning that there are a “lot of people out to misguide them.”
“If we remain united, India is in such a position that it can become the world power,” he said.
Responding to demands by opposition for holding an all-party meeting on Kashmir, Singh said, “I want to assure Rajya Sabha that any action to be taken in Kashmir will be taken after taking everyone in confidence. We don’t do politics for forming Government, we do politics to make the country great.”
Blasting those who celebrate the killing of security forces, Singh said, “it is reflective of Haivaniyat (devilish behaviour).”
In this context, he criticised those who have described the gunning down of militant Burhan Wani in an encounter as “extra-judicial killing”, saying such a mindset is “perverted”.
“This mindset has been seen whether in the case of Dantewada, Bastar or Kashmir. If security forces are killed, there are celebrations. Such is the perverted mind. We will address it,” he said.
Reaching out to the opposition, he said, “While addressing Kashmir unrest issue, we will take everybody along. This country belongs to all, including you (opposition).”
In his speech, Azad said the Government has not learnt from the earlier situation. Reminding that militants were always killed in the State, he said it was a matter of concern that the “present environment” did not exist even during the 1990s and added that youngsters have been killed in all the 10 districts of the Kashmir valley this time.
The Congress leader alleged that bullets and pellets guns were fired mercilessly and spoke of several “horrifying” pictures being circulated through the social media including that of a senior police officer pressing the neck of a young boy with his boots.
He said many children, as young as 4-5 years old, were left injured, with some losing their eye-sight while watching the violence from the windows of their house or terrace.
Asserting that no one including his party supported militancy, Azad said the Congress stood by the Government of any action against militancy.
“But distinction should be made between militants and civilians. The same bullet used to kill militants should not be used to kill children, women and youngsters. Should we treat them as militants? We are with you when it comes to eradication of militants. But we will not be a part of this (heavy use of force against civilians),” he said.
He said the Government earlier, while dealing with militants with a heavy hand, also had the policy of “healing touch”. He claimed that the common people in Kashmir do not have any trust in the BJP.
Talking about his Government when he was the J&K chief minister, Azad said that while his Government dealt with militants sternly, it behaved “like parents to youngsters” and did what was required under a democratic set-up.
He said it was a sign of patriotism on part of Muslims in the country, that despite the highest number of practicing Muslims here, ISIS has not been able to make any headway here except in less than a dozen cases. Both Hindus and Muslims should be proud of this, Azad said.
He said the situation was simmering for last one and half years. “This is a lava. The lava does not erupt in a day.”
Observing that provocative statements were being made by some BJP-RSS leaders, he said “the Kashmiris see that action is not being taken. The treatment meted out to Kashmiri students in the name of security also plays in role, back in the Valley.”
While Islamic preacher Zakir Naik should be probed, those who announced a reward of Rs 50 lakh for his head should also be sent to jail, Azad said.
Azad said the Congress wanted the violence to abate as he appreciated that Muslims in Kashmir did not target the Amarnath Yatra, which helped in this.
He said when a vehicle carrying Amarnath pilgrims met with an accident, the Kashmiri youth came forward and donated blood. He also cited last week’s incident when Muslims in a Kashmir locality broke curfew to carry the body of a Hindu man who had died.
Reiterating that Kashmir issue cannot be resolved through bullets, Naresh Agarwal (SP) said it was high time for the Government to “take a strong decision” and convene an all- party meeting “this evening, tomorrow or day after” to discuss the issue.
“We are not in favour of politicising the issue. We are with Government even in a situation of war against Pakistan. We are not here for vote politics. Have courage, take a decision, reform your bad policies and win peoples’ confidence. Make it your integral part,” Agarwal said.
Alleging that “the paradise on earth is reeling under curfew” due to political reasons, Agarwal said the situation was such that Pakistan Prime Minister had also issued statements. “Every day, Pakistan raises Kashmir issue in the UN”, he said and added that “it is time to take a strong decision.”
“Bring a resolution for peace in Kashmir. Send a Parliamentary delegation there, headed by the Home Minister. Listen to the people there, win their confidence,” the SP leader said, adding that BJP and PDP had opposing views on several issues and there was a need to tackle the situation urgently.
Vijila Sathyanath (AIADMK) sought a special package for violence-hit Kashmir besides special opportunities for the youth there. “Government must take immediate steps to restore peace and tranquility there,” she said.
Derek O’Brien (Trinamool) blamed the Centre for “mishandling the situation” and demanded that “we must extend all help to the families of ordinary people killed there.”
Expressing deep pain at the death of children, he alleged that unfortunately instead of harnessing the social media for constructive purposes, BJP was busy using it for PR and happy birthday messages.
“If you want digital India, do not understate the power of social media, else it will be divisive for India. There needs to be a dialogue with hard policing. We need a healing touch. Kashmir is not soil but soul, and keep the soul of Kashmir in mind,” he said.
Taking a jibe at the Prime Minister, O’Brien said all all his efforts in meeting foreign leaders turned to a nought when UN Chief Ban Ki-Moon expressed regret over the loss of lives and injuries in the clashes in Kashmir. The TMC leader called on all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” to avoid further violence and hoped that all concerns would be addressed through peaceful means.
Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said he was “pained” at the situation in the Valley and killing of 8-10 year old children at the hands of security forces and treatment meted out to women and children.
“Hand over anyone breaking the law to legal process but you deface someone and no action is taken,” he said, asserting that security forces should act within the limits of humanity.
At the same time, he said the Kashmir problem cannot be solved by force, power or use of the Army as it needed a political solution.
“Why is there a difference between your policy and the one followed by the previous NDA Government in tackling the Kashmir issue,” he said and added that “political will is needed to resolve the issue”.
He also took a jibe at the BJP-PDP alliance in the state and said that the common minimum programme arrived at should be taken ahead.
Yadav also launched a scathing attack on media and asked why the Government had failed to restrain them as they continued to show statements by separatists and some others from abroad, which compromised the dignity of the nation.
“Why is this drama allowed…Can’t we tell the media to stop showing the propaganda of people supporting Islamic State in India,” a visibly upset Yadav said.
“The internal security of Kashmir should be strengthened and at the same time we should have talks with those who don’t share our views,” the JD(U) chief said.
Yadav wanted to know as to why the dialogue with separatist leaders had been stopped.
At the same time, he alleged that “We keep reviving Pakistan through Kashmir and other issues, otherwise it will break under its own burden.”
Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said he was pained and his “sympathies go out to the families whose youth have been killed in Kashmir. Thirty four youth have been killed and just one police officer has lost his life. This shows the balance of power. Over 1,400 youth are injured with many losing vision. There has been wrong use of pellets.”
He urged the Government to send medical aid and doctors to Kashmir along with the additional forces it is planning to send.
Referring to Arun Jaitley’s counter point, Yechury said, “the Leader of House says that its Pakistan’s conspiracy but the question is what are we doing about it. I do not accept that this is only Pakistan’s creation or war among India and separatists …Why are the youth dissatisfied there?.
He demanded a political process.
He said the Home Minister had spoken to him, asking for solutions and he suggested holding of dialogue. “That is the way forward. Where is the feeling of humanity which Vajpayee used to talk about?”
Recalling that a Parliamentary delegation had gone to Kashmir during the unrest of 2010, he said it had met the separatist leaders which had “helped ease” the situation.
He asked the Government to “at least start the initiative”.
Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Modi for his Pakistan policy, Yechury said, “what is this blow hot and blow cold by talking about 56 inches chest at one time and going there to eat Biryani at the other.”
He said, “We are all together against terrorism for the welfare of the nation. Convene an all-party meeting to solve the issue of Kashmir. We have to stop turning communities against each other in the country.” (PTI)
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