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Journalism of Courage
Rattled by the massacre of Hindus in J-K and wary of an adverse fallout, Congress president Sonia Gandhi is slated to visit the state tomorrow to take stock of the situation. Home Minister Shivraj Patil will accompany her in the daylong tour to the spot where the militants perpetrated the killings.
The Centre is of the view that the killings were a ‘‘desperate attempt’’ by foreign militants to derail the peace initiative gaining momentum over the past few months. A crucial round of talks with the Hurriyat Conference is scheduled on May 3 followed by the second roundtable conference on May 25 in Srinagar. There was also a possibility of the PM visiting Pakistan in the next few months.
‘‘The peace process is on the right track. And what’s more, the recent by-election at Doda registered a voter turnout of 76 per cent which is a record of sorts. Of course this is not liked by them (militants),’’ Home Secretary V K Duggal told the media after briefing the Home Minister at his residence. He will also be part of the delegation visiting the affected areas in Kashmir tomorrow.
Officials explained that the killing of innocent civilians was also the result of an increase in infiltration in the past few months which was much more than what was experienced last year. And not without reasons. Snowfall has been less and fencing in some parts along the border was in a dilapidated condition after the earthquake, helping militants to sneak into the state easily.
On earlier occasions, attack on minorities has resulted in largescale exodus from the state. With the possibility again looming large after today’s killings, the Centre has asked the state government to beef up security in minority areas.
