Resolving Kashmir Issue

At the meeting held on August 17 in New Delhi on the internal security issue, Kashmir issue took precedence over all other issues. The meeting was attended by chief ministers of difference states in the country. In his address to the conference, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh threw light on the current situation in Kashmir.

The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that although incidents of militancy have come down the infiltration from across the border still continues. He disclosed that terrorists in Pakistan are awaiting an opportune moment to attack India yet again.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
Omar Abdullah also addressed the conference and demanded repeal of the Armed Forces [Special Powers] Act (AFSP), in Kashmir because the situation in the state is getting normal gradually. He also demanded filling of vacancies caused by withdrawal of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalions from Kashmir, so that there is no security lapse in maintaining the rule of law.

On 15 August, the chief minister had specifically emphasized in his speech at the Bakshi Stadium that he would approach the Union Government to get the AFSP Act revoked and also attempt to impress the Union Government to reduce the strength of the Armed Forces deployed in the state. The Chief Minister had already assured that the responsibility of internal security would be handed over to the state police.

If five battalions of the CRPF have been withdrawn, their place can easily be handed over to the state police. He also stressed the need to encourage trade across the border. He specifically pointed out that the barter system has not proved effective and traders do not like to follow the barter system. Some traders have withdrawn themselves from trading.

It is for the Union Government to implement the demands raised by Omar Abdullah who attended the conference as an ambassador of Kashmir. The Chief Minister also drew attention to a very important issue. He informed that a large number of Kashmiris are returning on Pakistan's Passport via Nepal. He termed it an extremely dangerous issue and stressed the need of immediate attention.

Improving Situation
Earlier, the Prime Minister Singh said that the Amarnath Yatra ended peacefully in the state and there was no issue of law and order, nor any attack took place. He termed it adherence to the secular traditions of the people of Kashmir.

The Prime Minister said that although the situation has improved in Kashmir, yet the increase in infiltration is a matter of concern because infiltrators are hardcore militants who are heavily armed. He added that some people have been trying to blow stray incidents like that of Shopian, Baramullah, and Spore out of proportion to create internal dissension.

Earlier addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister had described the role of separatist unnecessary. Going by the situation, it appears that the Kashmir issue has been placed on the back burner, yet again. The Government is only worried about maintenance of law and order and is gravely anxious about when militancy would come to an end.