Why in news?
The Union government recently appointed Dineshwar Sharma as an interlocutor to negotiate with all sections of the society.
What is the current situation?
- Kashmir is in political turmoil since the death of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in January 2016.
- The killing of Hizbul Mujahedeen commander Burhan Wani saw stone-pelting protesters taking to the streets in big numbers.
- Indiscriminate use of pellet guns by security forces to dispel protesters also added fuel to the resentment.
- The popularity of slain militants has only grown over the months and militant attacks on Kashmiri policemen has spiked.
- With regular ceasefire breaches by Pakistan on the border, the gains of the 2003 Ceasefire deal have effectively vanished.
- Intelligence estimates hold that more than 200 youth have taken to militancy since 2013.
- The recent events of mysterious “braid-chopping” and the protests in the aftermath only complicate matters.
What lies ahead?
- Hope - Dialogue is vital for suppressing hardliners and enabling a genuinely conciliatory environment.
- The begin of negotiations will also increase the legitimacy of the CM and contribute to better governance.
- Strategy - More clarity is needed from the Centre on amount of freedom available to Mr. Sharma for the negotiations.
- Concious awareness that the recent NIA raids and other actions against seperatists could influence any outreach is needed.
- The interlocutor will have to consciously broadbase his schedule significantly to win the interest of civil society in the Valley.
Source: The Hindu