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realism: Mufti finally hits out at Pakistan role and commits to zero tolerance
on terror
J&K CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has
finally drawn a line in the sand on terror attacks emanating from Pakistan. His
unequivocal condemnation of Pakistan’s role in fomenting terror in India is a
welcome step particularly because his party is perceived as being soft on those
who perpetrate violence, and immediately after being sworn in he had courted
controversy by praising Pakistan’s role in relatively peaceful elections. Mufti
has also reiterated his commitment to partial withdrawal of AFSPA, but the
prerequisite for this is, first and foremost, peace in the state.
Recent attacks in Jammu are
desperate and misguided attempts to distract the new government from its
immediate task. J&K is still struggling with the aftermath of the worst
floods in a century and rebuilding lives must be a priority for the Mufti
government. Early strains in the PDP-BJP alliance after the release of
separatist leaders should not come in the way of this larger goal. The PDP-BJP
government walks a razor’s edge between the need to create the healing touch in
the Valley as well as answering the needs of Jammu, but when it comes to
Pakistan-based terrorism there is no space for anything other than zero
tolerance.
On Pakistan National Day, PM Modi
sent his wishes to PM Nawaz Sharif and said that dialogue can resolve all
outstanding issues. Hurriyat members have also met and talked with the Pakistan
envoy. Clearly in a break from recent acrimony, the Modi government is moving
towards constructive engagement with our neighbour. Yet talks with Pakistan do
not mean any compromise with India’s interests in J&K and the state needs
to move beyond the old narrative where Pakistan foments terror and local
politics remains mired in a Jammu versus Kashmir tug of war. A united face
against militant activity and a ceaseless focus on governance is the only way
Kashmir’s future can be rescripted
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