8216;Guns no solution, flexibility is key8217;

8226; Neither you nor any of your present crop of Hurriyat leaders were part of the 1989 movement. Now, how can you claim to legitimately ...

8226; Neither you nor any of your present crop of Hurriyat leaders were part of the 1989 movement. Now, how can you claim to legitimately represent the Kashmiri struggle in talks with the Centre?

Rasool Mir

There is never a vacuum of leaders anywhere. They are born out of the situations to tackle the onslaught of time. They need not be old but effective, reflecting what the people on ground zero wish or desire. As far as I am concerned, I have been waging a continuous and gradual war against India since 1960. I was among the few who challenged the legendary Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on the Indira-Shiekh accord of 1975.

8226; How do you see Pakistan8217;s response to the steps taken by the Indian government for restoring peace in the Valley?

Shailendra Kumar

Given the recent CBMs and the proposals like opening of rail and air link or resumption of bus services or the calling back of high commissioners, I think Pakistan is matching India8217;s overtures one by one. It will bode well for the future of dialogue process.

8226; In your view, what will be the lasting solution to the Kashmir problem? What will bring permanent peace in the Valley?

Shabina Hussain

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Lasting peace can be brought about through sincere, meaningful and purposeful talks involving India, Pakistan and Kashmiris on both sides of the fence. At the same time, all parties should try to be flexible.

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8226; Among the social causes of militancy, poverty is regarded as the number one reason. Do you think militancy will help in alleviating poverty? While the whole of India is surging ahead don8217;t you think J038;K will miss the bus?

Hitansh

Guns are no solution. They wreak destruction and devastation only. But I say, a distinction should be made between terrorism and a just freedom struggle. India too has its list of freedom fighters. Every year Bollywood makes films out of the heroics of their freedom fighters. Terrorism is different. Look what is happening in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nobody is against peace and development, but peace cannot be bought in vacuum. Meaningful talk on Kashmir are the only way that will bring peace in whole of South Asia.

8226; The success of any talks between two parties

depend upon how flexible each is. Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has repeatedly said that the proposed talks will be within the framework of Indian Constitution, while you and your group have always insisted that there should be no pre-condition. Do you see now enough flexibility from the Centre, and in turn, are you willing to be equally flexible?

Ravi Jategaonkar

There is no doubt that we are flexible. We will continue to be so once Advani spells out the agenda for talks that New Delhi offered to us. But our flexibility should not be equated with that shown by Sheikh Abdullah who was lulled into the 1975 accord. We will not be happy if our CM is called PM and Governor Sadr-e-Riyasat like was the case with the Sheikh. We want a solution according to the wishes of our people.

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8226; Can you persuade the Kashmiri separatists to end militancy provided the Centre agrees to implement Article 370 of the Constitution both in letter as well as in sprit?

K Z Amani

You must be kidding. This is not acceptable. We will appeal to them only if New Delhi enters into a meaningful dialogue.

8226; Mufti Mohammed Sayeed has completed a year as CM in J038;K. How do you rate him and his government? Did he fare any better than the Abdullahs?

Irfan Shafeeq

It is very bad. I say no better than the previous regime. Killings continue, the SOG has not been wound up and the deteneus are still languishing behind bars and there is no relief to people. All the promises that Mufti made to the people have not been kept. It has all proved a hogwash.