‘Polls are not the answer. Ink is no match for blood’

Terrorism is detestable. No debate. But then, let me go on record to say that state terrorism is more alarming, more abominable and as a matter of fact an unpardonable crime against humanity. If a state encourages terrorism, who will protect anybody? The ‘‘hue and cry’’ against the excesses is therefore more than justified in terms of justice, international law, politics, and if you like, ethics as well.

• Doesn’t the apparent failure of your talks with L K Advani prove right the old allegation that you are remote-controlled by powers in Pakistan?

I wish people like you could pick up the dynamics of change sweeping across — the change in the mindset, attitudes as well as the style of working of the people who matter. If Vajpayee’s vision were mixed with Musharraf’s pragmatism, such questions would never ever haunt anybody’s intellectual landscape.

• If you think Hurriyat is the true representative of the Kashmiri people, why don’t your leaders fight elections?

Election is not the answer. India and Pakistan fought three wars on Kashmir, elections notwithstanding. We will have to shun taking an ostrich-like approach to the problems facing us. Let us join heads, produce answers and ensure a better tomorrow, a brighter tomorrow. Let me also tell you that Yaseer Arafat and Nelson Mandela never passed though any electoral process and yet were hailed as true representatives of their people’s sentiments. We represent the sentiment, the blood and the anger against indignity of the people in Kashmir. Ink is no match for red-hot blood.

• Given the divide within the Hurriyat, how difficult is it to explain to people that the only way out is through a dialogue with Delhi?

The split did the damage. But remember it is the principle of majority that works. We are in a majority, we will have to lead or else renounce politics for good. And then considering the nuclear weaponisation of the subcontinent, the globalisation of economy and to cap it all, the urge for peace at the people’s level, there is no alternative to dialogue available with any of us.

• If your next round of talks with Advani are satisfactory, what next?

What next will depend largely on how we choose to come to grips with the sombre realities on the ground. If we proceed with wisdom and realism, we can work out an acceptable and a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem.