Centre to convene all-party meet on Kashmir

Expressing concern at the prolonged curfew in the Kashmir valley and the deteriorating law and order situation, the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday set the tone for reviving dialogue with various stakeholders in the State to ensure peace.

In a discussion that lasted over seven hours, most MPs who spoke on the issue rose above narrow political interests and urged the Centre to send an all-party delegation to the State to pacify the protestors and talk to their leaders.

Though Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who appreciated the bipartisan behaviour of the House, did not mention when a delegation of MPs would be sent to Kashmir, he told the House that the Centre would convene an all-party on the issue, on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend the meeting, he told Elders. The all-party delegation is likely to visit the State only after studying the ground situation properly.

In a unanimous resolution, which was adopted after the discussions, the House appealed to the people of the valley to restore peace and harmony. “This House expresses its serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew in the Kashmir valley,” the resolution said.

“The House conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation. The House is of the firm and considered view that while there cannot be any compromise on national security, it is equally an imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people.”

“The House earnestly appeals to all sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir, to work for the early restoration of normalcy and harmony and unanimously resolves to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular,” it added.

Replying to the debate, Singh said Pakistan was to blame for the recent problems in the valley. Reiterating that slogans such as “Pakistan Zindabad” will not be allowed in the country, Singh ruled out the possibility of third-party interventionon the issue. “Of course, we will hold discussions with Pakistan, but it will be only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” he said.

He assured the House that security forces had been asked to show restraint while dealing with the protesters. Though he did not provide an assurance that pellet guns would not be used, the Minister said it should be the last resort among non-lethal weapons. “There will be no compromise on national security. But immediate steps will be taken to ensure peace,” he said. Singh also condemned speculation on social media that Kashmir would be handed over to the Army after the Amarnath Yatra.

Earlier, initiating the debate, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Prime Minister should have made his remarks on Kashmir in Parliament. “If it comes from the heart, it will reach Kashmir. It is mere lip-service and hence will not reach Kashmir,” he said, adding that despite Modi’s room in Parliament being only steps away from both Houses, he did not make any statement on the issue during the past three discussions in the House.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said there was a need to address the trust deficit in the valley. “Why are the people alienated? We have to address this question. What is preventing this government from initiating a political dialogue,” he asked.