Farooq Abdullah’s comments on Kashmir must be ignored Daily O 21 Nov 17
Post the announcement of Dineshwar Sharma as the centre’s interlocutor for Kashmir, there have been a series of contradictory comments emanating from the region only adding to the existing confusion. Comments are more political, seeking either to support the centre’s decision or counter it, based on the ideology of the party. In some cases, the statements are rhetoric and on expected lines.
The separatists have spoken as expected, rejecting all offers. It was but natural, as they have become accustomed to take the best from the Indian state and money through hawala from Pakistan. Their loyalties remain with Pakistan; hence they akin to parrots have been stating on every occasion, talk to Pakistan. They demand azadi, but fail to utter a word when the Pak PM, Abbasi, comments that autonomy, way below azadi, to Kashmir is impossible and unacceptable.
However, there are indicators that the pressure flowing from the ongoing investigations by the NIA and ED, leaving the second rung and the kith and kin of the top leadership behind bars, would bring about a volte face. It may not bring them to the bargaining table, as they fear wrath from across the border, but would soften their stand and representatives from the second rung would be deputed to interact.
Confusion has also been created by Jitendra Singh, the MOS in the PMO, who stated that the talks are not anything new and the centre was always involved in talks. He was referring to the two visits to the valley undertaken by the Home Minister, Rajnath Singh. The CM, Mehbooba Mufti, has welcomed the appointment, while mentioning that azadi as demanded by a section of the student community, is without any bias.
Most controversial and contradicting comments have been made by Farooq Abdullah. Farooq is a seasoned politician, who has seen ups and downs in political life, however, the present is a major test. Politically his National Conference (NC) leadership faces a daunting task. In case peace is restored in the valley, the present combination of the PDP and BJP would stand to gain, moving NC into the wilderness. The BJP has slowly begun making inroads into the valley adding to their worries.
Farooq nearing eighty, has little hopes for a rebound in politics. His earlier desperate game of seeking the Vice President’s post fell through, hence he remains a MP from a party with almost no say at the centre. Speaking against the government’s interlocutor could backfire in case others go along, whereas supporting him is equally risky. Hence, there is a variety in the comments which have emanated from him.
He has claimed that borders cannot be changed, POK and Kashmir, would remain with countries that hold them. He has also stated that all provisions and acts implemented post 1953 be withdrawn, thus demanding complete autonomy for the state. In addition, he has mentioned that Kashmir as an independent nation (azadi) cannot survive, because it is surrounded by three powerful nuclear armed countries and hence his party has never demanded it. He retweeted the Hurriyat when he stated that India should also talk to Pakistan. In fact, realistically, these are the very issues which NC would hope to raise with the interlocutor, however, rather than talking to him, are raising them in a public forum.
The issues raised by Farooq need to be analysed in the political context in which he spoke. Most of his comments were in public rallies, hence he was neither disputed nor asked to justify his reasons. He has conveyed that azadi was neither an option, nor would ever be one, which brought a sharp response from the Hurriyat, leading to a war of words between Omar and them. The same ever-contradicting Farooq had stated last year, during the peak of the agitation, that their party is not against the Hurriyat and would provide them full support to ‘take the movement for azadi to its conclusion’.
While referring to non-change of borders, he was re-stating what had often been on the cards as additional confidence building measures between the two countries. Suggestions were abounding earlier, that one measure of building confidence was, opening the borders between the two parts of Kashmir, thus enhancing people to people contacts. However, never has India or Pakistan ever ceded the portion held by the other. It was again twisting facts.
The removal of all acts and provisions post 1953, was a comment made for local consumption. He is very much aware that it was his father, Sheikh Abdullah, who had in 1975 implemented the DD Thakur committee recommendations and legitimized acceptance of central laws. He is also aware that neither the acts or laws would be revoked nor withdrawn. In addition, any Indian is aware that talks with Pak imply nothing, unless their deep state grants the Pak government permission to move ahead. Every time talks have been planned a terrorist act sets the clock back.
His accusing the army chief is aimed at targeting an organization which would never rebound back. He has simply erased from his personal memory that he was holidaying and golfing in Europe as Chief Minister, while Kashmiri Pundits were being massacred in his state. Did he even care for their basic welfare when they moved into squalid transit camps in Jammu? It was not his concern, but suddenly, he claims that widows are not being looked after and he would order a commission for their welfare. Does he realize that it is only the army which cares for its own, whereas he and his party have done nothing, including protesting the setting up of a veteran colony in the Valley.
Farooq has been struggling to bring his political party out of the woods. It presently only has relevance in the valley, hence is also not even a state level party. All his comments and speeches have a valley bias, ignoring Jammu and Ladakh. With the PDP and BJP combine gaining ground, the NC is headed downhill, into political wilderness. It may get just one chance in the next elections. Thus, he is desperately seeking to gain some votes. While many would consider it the rambling of an aging politician, shrewd Farooq personally knows that he faces a battle for survival. Therefore, he speaks what would keep him in the limelight at the national level, enhancing local support. It is therefore best to ignore him.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army