Advani rejects trifurcation of J&K

“After these meetings, we have a sense of satisfaction that the state and the security forces have an upper hand in the battle against militancy,” Advani said.

The Home Minister blamed the failure of dialogue with the Hizbul Mujahideen on Pakistan. “The Hizbul Mujahideen took an initiative. The Centre responded positively but Pakistan saw to it that the dialogue was subverted,” he said.

Advani said that though the dialogue did not take off, the longing for peaceon both sides of the border is palpable. After Kargil, the country has received remarkable support in its opposition to states sponsoring cross-border terrorism. “Pakistan is certainly one such state,” he said.

Advani once again emphasised that the NDA Government was averse to granting pre-1953 status to J&K but was ready for devolution of powers to the state.

Advani said that he was happy with his discussion with the Unified Command and the state legislators, who mostly represented the border areas. “The entire discussion was marked by candour,” he said.

Elaborating on the issues discussed in the meetings, the Home Minister said: “It was emphasised that the fight against militancy has to be accompanied by acceleration of developmental work. Apart from this, the state should be willing to hold a dialogue with militants who lay down their arms and are ready for talks.”

He assured that the Centre will respond to any such move made by the militants. “If they put down their arms, we will readily discuss their legitimate grievances.”

Responding to a query about alleged human rights abuses by the army and other security agencies during their counter-insurgency operations, Advani said that the Centre will take immediate notice of any such abuse. “It is imperative for the success of our fight against militancy that the security forces be humane,” he stressed. “The three Corps commanders whom we met laid down several measures.”

On developmental work in the state, Advani said the J&K Government was already discussing various projects with the Planning Commission. “The Central Government would like to do all that the people expect it to,” he said.

Earlier, members of the State Legislative Assembly and the State Legislative Council discussed human rights abuses by security forces, shelling from across the border, financial package to the state and relief to victims of militancy.