Straw in air
There are many indications in the political circles of Kashmir that Narindra Modi government in its second innings is going to assess the situation of Kashmir Valley before embarking on any path for any new policy to deal with separatists and ground situation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has started playing his typical politics of trying to engage all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir while keeping the policy of curbing militancy intact. He has given indications that the Central Government was ready for dialogue with all the youth of J&K State including those who are with guns in South Kashmir. His brief was finally translated by State Governor Satya Pal Malik in a recent press briefing when he said that the youth with guns should shun the path of violence and come on the table. Giving his own colour to the invitation, he said he was waiting on the Raj Bhawan table for a lunch with them. Governor further said that within the ambit of constitution, Government of India was ready to walk the extra-mile and talk to all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir.
Central Government has been very active in J&K State post-summer of 2018 when BJP withdrew its support to the Mehbooba Mufti Government, bringing Central rule in the State. Immediately Central Government took slew of measures to change the contours of development in the State and focused its attention on Ladakh and Jammu regions.
State Governor Satya Pal Malik in a path-breaking decision, decided to give divisional status to Ladakh region and separating it from Kashmir region. People of Ladakh region especially the Buddhists were having the grouse that Kashmiris were ruling them though this perception was wrong. Governor gave them something to celebrate and it finally led to the winning of BJP candidate from Ladakh despite the fact that all the important BJP leaders of Ladakh region had resigned and were demanding Union Territory Status. In such a situation there are some indications that Central Government is weighing the options of talks with Kashmiris also while they are focusing on Jammu and Ladakh region.
