On a visit to Jammu, the Shankaracharya of Goverdhan Puri Swami Adokshjananddevtirath kept religion aside and demanded instead that Kashmiris be included in the ongoing Indo-Pak talks for the solution of the Kashmir problem.‘‘Talks and peace process should continue but it is also important that Kashmiris, who are the main sufferers, should also be involved in the talks,’’ said the Shankaracharya. He even supported a dialogue with the militants, declaring that it was ‘‘circumstances’’ that ‘‘make a person a militant’’.The Puri seer said, ‘‘India and Pakistan are already holding talks and Kashmiris should also be included in it.’’ He felt that without including the Kashmiris in the talks there was no meaning to the talks. The Shankaracharya suggested that ‘‘even if there is a need to make some amendment in the Indian constitution it should be done’’. ‘‘Constitutions are amended for the welfare of the people,’’ he reasoned.He said Kashmir was a international issue and ‘‘it is one of the three most controversial issues in the world’’. He said that India was a democracy and the Kashmiris should be allowed to express their views. ‘‘I do not know why our governments fear to include Kashmiris in the talks,’’ wondered the Shankaracharya.The Goverdhan Puri Shankaracharya further said that the government should be serious about solving the Kashmir problem. He also criticised those who try to link the Kashmir problem with religion. He said that he welcomed the ongoing talks but it was also true that they were not rooted in ground reality. ‘‘Governments have to set aside their political interest if they want to reach some conclusion,’’ said the Hindu guru. Replying to a question, the Shankaracharya said that he had talked to Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani and found that he was ‘‘not a villain’’.
