Binoo Joshi
Home Minister Amit Shah is arriving in Srinagar on Wednesday at a time when he is expected to define the new policy of the new government that will balance zero tolerance to terrorism approach to the human touch to the peace- yearning population in Kashmir.
Shah’s agenda for the first visit as Home Minister to Kashmir is basically to deepen his insight into the Kashmir affairs that have been in news more for wrong reasons than the right ones. It seems that Amit Shah is seeking to correct the course keeping in line with Modi government’s policy of winning confidence of one and all.
The current Home Minister ‘s approach has been clear on all issues, and so it expected to be in the case of Kashmir as well, to understand the psyche and the aspirational needs of the people who want to live in peace and progress and prosper along side with the people of the rest of the country.
Amit Shah is no stranger to Kashmir. He knows each and everything. He had developed insight of the state, Kashmir Valley in particular, after he became president of BJP, that enabled him to get feedback on all issues from various quarters. He always balanced the feedback given by his party workers with that coming from other sources. This is how he had been analysing the situation, and what he said in his capacity as president of the ruling party at the Centre, he holds the same view as Home Minister that there can be no compromise on the integrity of the state and that of the nation.
Kashmir problem has two dimensions: One it is because of Pakistan sponsored militancy that unleashed death and destruction for the people. Pakistan continues to foment trouble in Jammu and Kashmir, its denials notwithstanding. This is a major problem, and this is what Home Minister would be deliberating upon with the security officers during his two-day visit of Kashmir beginning June 26.
Second problem is the fallout of the first one. The new Home Minister knows it very well that a large majority of the people are suffering because of the fear of the violence perpetrated by the terrorists, their supporters and over ground workers of the militant outfits. This fear is at the roots of their suffering and pain.
Amit Shah is determined, sources told JKNEWS TODAY that Amit Shah wants to create a situation in which the terror-mongers and perpetrators of violence are shown their place, while the peace loving population is given all the opportunities and chances to move ahead.
Sources said that Amit Shah wants to deepen his understanding of Kashmir situation where challenges have multiplied over the past few months. The Pulwama attack changed the whole scenario and thinking of Delhi toward Pakistan and its proxies in Kashmir.
Some may pin hopes on his hoped -for -word on the offer of dialogue made by Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, that quite appropriately was described as an “encouraging sign.”
But Amit Shah is known for cool thinking and taking risks in a calculated manner where those are worth. In such a situation, he would prefer to study the situation than to make a commitment that may be too early in the day to be made.
