Opinion From the Urdu Press: Kashmir calling

Roznama KhabrAin, in its editorial, writes that both PDP and BJP have made a turnaround in their stated positions regarding J&K.

February 26, 2015 11:50 PM IST First published on: Feb 26, 2015 at 11:50 PM IST

Roznama KhabrAin, in its editorial on February 25, writes that both the PDP and the BJP have made a turnaround in their stated positions regarding J&K. It adds the shift in the BJP position was unexpected since the BJP, an ideological party, repeatedly swears by the “sacrifice” of the Jana Sangh leader, Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Mehbooba Mufti describes the alliance as a need of the people and for the good of the country, while the BJP had criticised the PDP and called for a new politics during the election campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked J&K to be rid off the father-daughter duo, the editorial recalls. With the two parties seriously differing on issues, including Article 370 and revocation of the AFSPA, there is a question mark over the stability of the alliance. But if the coalition government succeeds in maintaining peace and order in the state and attends to people’s problems, it could last, the editorial concludes.

Jadeed Khabar (February 22) reports that the BJP and the PDP have reached an agreement on Article 370 and the AFSPA. While Article 370, a constitutional provision that guarantees special status to J&K, will not be touched, the AFSPA will be gradually diluted in different areas, depending on the improvement in the ground situation.

Modi speech
A Rashtriya Sahara editorial (February 18) writes that the exhortations of US President Obama on the issue of religious extremism and the criticism in the world media made PM Modi realise that if he did not control the elements out to disrupt communal harmony, the promise of economic development that won him power would remain a dream. The PM said his government would not tolerate religious extremism. But he would have to silence some of his ministers and party MPs. The editorial says the statement ought to be welcomed, but also asks the PM to put to practice what he said.

An editorial in Inquilab the same day says it was natural to be surprised by the PM’s statement (on religious extremism) since he has been silent on the matter. He ought to have spoken nine or 10 months earlier since the aggression of the Hindutva advocates had started soon after the government formation at the Centre. However, the (PM’s) statement should be welcomed.

A Siasat editorial (February 19) says “if there is flower in Modi’s tongue, let it blossom; if there is spark, let it flare again”. His style of speech has been flowery, but a basic demand is that in this secular country all religions should be respected. It is imperative that the rulers are honest in word and intent.

Paper thieves
A Roznama Khabrain editorial (February 22) says the theft of vital documents from several ministries is a matter of national security. It asks if action would be limited to statements or would the “big fish” be arrested on the basis of clues provided by the “small fish”. The editorial calls for a thorough probe.

An editorial in Aziz-ul-Hind (February 24) says the documents described now as objects of corporate spying can be obtained from any government office, except where national security is involved. The process of decision-making connected with the corporate world should be made transparent, the editorial insists.

Compiled by Seema Chishti