145;Daddy does not believe in remote control8230;146;

While Mehbooba is pitted against the 8216;8216;other8217;8217; Kashmiri political heir, the media-savvy Omar Abdullah, she has the luxury of pursuing her chosen path despite being a single parent of two teenaged daughters as she has rarely left her home or parents. She talks to Vrinda Gopinath from the cocoon of her home in New Delhi, while her parents keep a protective watch over her. Excerpts from the interview:

8226; Do you believe there is a sudden surge of violence after the Congress took over the state? Three of your ministers were also killed in the period.

It is too early to connect this surge of violence with the regime change. It would be unfair to connect the killings of PDP ministers with the Congress takeover. Whenever there is change, people take advantage of the interim period. Yes, vested interests have tried to unnerve the new CM, Ghulam Nabi Azad, to make him hesitant. Anyway, I don8217;t look at this government as a Congress Government, it is our government too.

8226; Which PDP programmes would you like your partner government to pursue diligently?

I would like the Congress to consolidate the foundation the PDP has cemented 8212; a sense of security of life and property among people, lifting the cynicism among people of politics and politicians, pursuing unconditional dialogue among all parties for a solution, and confidence-building measures among all sections of society.

8226; Has the PDP achieved this?

We have successfully done all I8217;ve mentioned 8212; we created an atmosphere of security and confidence since 2003, so that two Prime Ministers, A B Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh, could actually attend real public rallies and come face to face with people, rather than chopper-hop to Nehru Guest House and meet leaders and representatives.

Two, we did not feel threatened, unlike the National Conference, when we nudged New Delhi to initiate a dialogue with all parties, after all, democracy is a battle of ideas.

We made the Army and state police accountable for their crimes. Earlier, state atrocities were swept under the carpet. Today, you have an Army corps commander personally apologise at least twice for mistakes. The State Human Rights Commission records more crimes today because people dare to come forward. Civic polls in Srinagar saw an 89 per cent turnout, we8217;ve established four new universities and a nursing college. Daddy insisted the borders remain opened even after the quake and kept the Nehru Tunnel open beyond 5 pm. People stroll in Srinagar at midnight, there are weddings, there is no nervousness anymore.

8226; You have always believed in having a dialogue with militants, even calling them your brothers. Is the accusation that you are soft on militants acceptable?

I am pro-people, not pro-terrorists. It would be disgraceful on my part to justify my conduct to anybody, but I8217;ll continue my work. If a BJP is willing to talk to militants, why can8217;t a Kashmiri talk to them? The problem is all Kashmiris are suspect 8212; unless you bash Pakistan, you are not a good Indian. I believe the healing touch must be extended to victims of the state too. I make it a point to meet families of victims of custody killings and death by militants, even the Hurriyat does not visit their homes.

8226; Do you accept the US role in J038;K?

The US became a global power by creating situations everywhere, from Afghanistan to Iraq, next it8217;s going to be Iran and Syria. If you look at the US record in Palestine and other countries, I am not sure of inviting the US here. They pursue their own interests, which is why I believe a solution to Kashmir must come from the soil. New Delhi and Islamabad must deal bilaterally, without any compromise.

8226; Has your suspicion of the US prevented you from visiting the country?

I don8217;t think visiting the US will solve the Kashmir problem. I have recieved several invitations, from the State Department too. My brother lives in California, he is a cinematographer in Hollywood, my sister lives in Philadelphia. It was after my brother refused to stand for elections that I came in. I have to concentrate on party work and build it, politics is not just about governance and administration.

8226; Is your father playing an active role today? Was he disappointed on relinquishing his chair to the Congress?

My father is a gentleman, he was not disappointed. Today, Daddy is relaxed, he loves to play golf and meets workers in Srinagar. The Deputy CM is competent, putting forward the party point of view in government. Daddy does not believe in remote control, he intervenes only when it is crucial.

8226; What is your solution for peace in the Valley?

A solution should not be based on communal lines, all regions of J038;K must be equal partners. There must be real political and administrative authority, economic self-reliance. While Pakistan must get a face-saving solution, the Valley must also get the feeling of getting something, like taking away the boundary dividing Kashmir. We are all Kashmiris, on either side of the border. Even Gen Musharraf has said boundaries are irrelevant.