Secure the mandate

The increased incidents of militant attacks in the closing days of campaigning for the Srinagar constituency announce a challenge for the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. In recent days campaign staff of political parties contesting the Lok Sabha elections have been the target of militants clearly uncomfortable with widespread participation in the poll process. Today, as Srinagar prepares to cast its vote, the challenge is obvious: To give voters the confidence to venture out to the polling booths to exercise their franchise without fear of violence. After the successful conduct of assembly elections over a year ago, faith in the transparency of the process cannot really be in doubt. The only danger is posed by the spectre by violence in constituencies going to the polls in the state.

The general elections are taking place at an important juncture for Jammu and Kashmir. It is unfortunate that the All Party Hurriyat Conference chose not to throw their hat into the ring and seek the people8217;s mandate. Other than them, however, all shades of political opinion are represented in the electoral fray. Following on the assembly polls, this heightened interaction between politician and electorate is bound to alarm militants. More importantly, summer comes to the state with fresh hopes of political dialogue and peace. The Hurriyat-Centre talks are proceeding slowly but optimistically. There is talk of broadbasing the dialogue process further. Simultaneously, the current thaw between India and Pakistan and resumption of parallel processes of cooperation bode well for Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee8217;s peace initiative. Summer months ahead will test Pakistan8217;s commitment to cracking down on terrorism.

In the meanwhile, the challenge lies domestically. Recent incidents of grenade attacks hint at the stockpiles of ammunition available to militants in the Valley. In de-arming them, the ability of the security forces to go about their task without harassing ordinary citizens will be severely interrogated. Peaceful polling days would thus be a good beginning to a tough summer.