Srinagar, June 19 (KNS): Former Special Director Intelligence Bureau, Amarjeet Singh Dulat has said that separatism is “redundant” in J&K and added the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) has resolved certain issues only while there is a need to start talks with mainstream political parties.
“The abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) has resolved certain things but there is an issue still existing. Everything cannot be sorted out in a one go. Things will improve gradually,” AS Dulat told national media during his visit to Srinagar.
He said there is a substantial improvement on ground post-abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A). “The tourist footfall is good. Srinagar has become a smart city. Double-decker busses are plying on Boulevard. Recently G20 summit concluded peacefully which was a sign of normalcy. Business is flourishing. Vehicles are plying till late night. Is this not a sign of normalcy?” Dulat said.
He said BJP’s muscular policy has succeeded in Jammu and Kashmir and if still there are certain things unaddressed, those too will be resolved in a gradual manner. “BJP has curbed terrorism and militancy in J&K but it requires constant watch. We need to constantly keep eye on Kashmir. We need to deal with Kashmir in a political way. The Hurriyat and Separatism is redundant now. There is a need to talk with mainstream political parties or their amalgam PAGD,” the former Intelligence chief said.
To a query on assembly elections, he said it is New Delhi who has to take a call on it. “New Delhi has a great role in conducting assembly elections in J&K. When they feel its need, they will give a nod. But I think polls should happen as quickly as possible,” he added.
He added India does not want killings to happen in Kashmir and it is only Pakistan to keep the bowl hot. He also added that it is being stated that there is Pakistan behind the killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani who was killed in 2016 in Bamdoora area of south Kashmir Anantnag. “Pakistan doesn’t want any Kashmiri to be leader out of their will. The emergence of Late Khawaja Abdul Gani Lone in Kashmir’s separatist politics irked Pakistan. They didn’t want any big leader other than Syed Ali Shah Geelani, so they disposed off Lone sahib,” Dulat added.
When asked who will be the next chief minister of J&K if polls will happen in near future, Dulat replied that Dr. Farooq Abdullah like “king” has no match in politics of Jammu and Kashmir. “Dr. Farooq Abdullah has done tremendous job for J&K but unfortunately New Delhi doesn’t understand. Dr. Sahib did a lot of things for Kashmiri Pandits who left their homes and migrated to Jammu and other parts of country with the onset of militancy in valley. It is New Delhi who did nothing for KP’s till date. However there is need to call them back to their homeland and it cannot be possible without Mirwaiz Omar Farooq. If he (Mirwaiz) appeals them to come back to Kashmir the KP’s will definitely return. So I believe Mirwaiz Omar Farooq has a great role in Kashmir politics in future,” he held.
The former intelligence chief maintained that if Double Farooq Accord had happened in past (1986-1989), why it cannot be happened in future in shape of Double Omar Accord (Omar Abdullah & Mirwaiz Omar). He said in this regard leaders from National Conference including Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mustafa Kamal have deliberated upon this issue. (KNS)