People's Democracy

AS we go to press, the all-party meeting on the Kashmir issue, convened by the prime minister, has virtually unanimously recommended the extension of the ceasefire. The CPI(M) had all along welcomed the unilateral ceasefire announced by the government of India.

But it must be noted that the ceasefire is not an end in itself. It is a means for achieving a solution to the conflict in Kashmir. This can be done only if there is a clear-cut strategy and direction on the part of the government of India. This Vajpayee government appears totally clueless as to how to proceed. Its main objective appears to be more of a public relations exercise of displaying to the world, at large, India’s inclination for peace. A declaration of intent, unless followed by a concrete strategy, can never achieve any purpose.

On the question of a concrete strategy, there appears to be confounded confusion. Different leading members of the cabinet not only speak in different voices, the prime minister himself appears equivocal. At one stage he declares his intention to start talks with Pakistan at the highest level and at another stage speaks of cessation of cross-border terrorism as a condition for talks. If Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism, then what does the prime minister want to talk about? His government has to inform the country. It is imperative that the extension of the ceasefire be accompanied by efforts to start talks with Pakistan.

The confusion is further compounded by the contradictory signals being sent out to the extremist groups in Kashmir. It is wellknown that two opinions exist in the Hurriyat --- one seeking an independent Kashmir and another seeking to join Pakistan. The Vajpayee government is willing to talk to them but remains silent on the question of autonomy under article 370 for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

It must be reiterated that no solution to the Kashmir problem is possible without a consideration of the question of autonomy. The union cabinet had, in the past, summarily rejected the autonomy resolution adopted by the Jammu & Kashmir assembly. Leaders of the Saffron Brigade continue to demand the abrogation of article 370. The RSS intensifies its propaganda for a communal trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. The Vajpayee government refuses to clear the air.

In the meanwhile, it is the innocent people of the state who continue to pay the price of this directionless policy. The killing of innocent people, the lack of developmental activity and the complete stagnation of employment opportunities are doing precious little to win over the confidence of the Kashmiri people.

Any lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir would be possible only when these issues are seriously addressed. The Vajpayee government must immediately make clear its intentions and strategy before the parliament and the country. Any delay and further lack of clarity will only hasten the drift towards a disaster.