|
RENEWED
HOPES
There is a big shift in the Government's approach since the July initiative
for peace in the Valley.
UNION GOVERNMENT
 JULY:
Hailing the Hizb-ul Mujahideen overture as a bold and positive
step, the Indian Government promptly reciprocated by suspending operations
against the militant outfit in Kashmir. The cease-fire proved short-lived.
NOW:
The Vajpayee Government is looking at both tactical and long-term gains.
It feels that it will be able to drive a wedge between the moderates and
the hardliners.
STATE GOVERNMENT
 JULY:
Farooq Abdullah upstaged the initiative with his autonomy card as he felt
he was being marginalised. But he also saw it as a chance to blunt the
Hurriyat's growing political ambitions and made a show of offering a political
role to Hizb commanders.
NOW:
Involved and consulted by the Vajpayee Government on the cease-fire call,
Farooq is not feeling left out like he did when the Hizb gave its call
in July.
THE ARMY
JULY:
Quick to respond to the Hizb's call for a cease-fire, the army suspended
operations against the most dreaded and ruthless Kashmiri militant outfit.
This way it lowered its guard and became a soft target.
NOW:
Though seek-and-eliminate operations against all militant groups have
been suspended, it is being extra vigilant to prevent militants from botching
up the peace initiative. But it is also taking care not to initiate any
action.
SUBTLE SHIFT
Militants may have rejected the cease-fire call but
there is a discernible change in the stance of political leaders.
MILITANT GROUPS
JULY:
All groups rejected the Hizb call. Pakistan-supported militants
killed more than 100 pilgrims in less than 24 hours. S. Salahuddin was
removed as head of Pakistan-based United Jehad Council, forcing him to
rescind the cease-fire on August 8.
NOW:
All Pakistan-sponsored groups, including Hizb, have rejected Vajpayee's
offer as a "trap against the Kashmiri freedom fighters". Have
threatened to step up violence to scuttle the truce.
HURRIYAL CONFERENCE
JULY:
Piqued by Hizb's decision to declare the cease-fire instead
of letting it do so, the Hurriyat lost no time in rubbishing the truce
as 'a half-broken step'. The Hurriyat felt threatened by the Hizb's attempt
to acquire a political role.
NOW:
Made a guarded endorsement of the truce, saying it might clear the logjam.
But it says that India must first accept Kashmir as a disputed territory
and involve Pakistan in the final settlement.
PAKISTAN
JULY:
Pakistan had bitterly opposed the Hizb's call for a cease-fire
in July because it feared that it may pave the way for bilateral talks
between the Centre and the Kashmiri militants. Got Salahuddin removed
as head of the United Jehad Council.
NOW:
Has dismissed Vajpayee's overture as a "tactical" ploy. After
the cease-fire was announced, a Foreign Ministry spokesman described it
as "India's effort to impose a military solution".
|
Enron
symbolises everything that's wrong with the way reforms were handled by
M/s Rao & Manmohan, says INDIA TODAY Associate Editor
