The last three years, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who is among the moderate separatist leaders has shown his inclination to talk
AS Dulat, former chief of Research & Analysis Wing, who also served in Intelligence Bureau tracking Kashmir, speaks to DNA on the dialogue process.
How do you see the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma?
It's a good, modest beginning. This is how these things start. Engagement is the key to Kashmir. We must never stop talking to all players across the board.
Do you think Hurriyat is a stumbling block?
I am certain with Mr Sharma there, dialogue with Hurriyat will happen. I see absolutely no reason for Hurriyat not to talk. Without Hurriyat the talks are meaningless. In the last three years, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who is among the moderate separatist leaders has shown his inclination to talk.
How can Sharma bring Hurriyat on board?
He should not wait for anyone to approach him. He should feel free to go to them. Just like he met Omar Abdullah, maybe in his next visit, he should just drive to Mirwaiz's home or maybe even SAS Geelani's. If Delhi wants to talk, Hurriyat will talk.
Do you think Sharma being an IB man will not be trusted?
Absolutely not. His IB past will not come in the way of talks. I was in IB, serving in Kashmir for so many years and never faced this problem. He seems to be relaxed and there is no negativity.
How can he be different from other interlocutors?
It's difficult to say but the problem is that we have stopped talking, yet Kashmiris have never been more anxious to talk than now. He can be a facilitator for a political dialogue. You have to give Kashmiris an alternative; even those involved in militancy will get a ray of hope. Talks also put pressure on militants to come on board.
Will a surrender policy be of any help at this juncture?
Surrenders have been happening since the mid-1990s. But nobody gave importance to it. A proper rehabilitation policy would encourage more boys to shun militancy.
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