Talks will have to continue: Pant

By Vinay Kumar

JAMMU, JUNE 3. After holding marathon sessions with a number of groups, trade bodies, political parties and individuals during his week-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir to begin the political dialogue, the Centre's

interlocutor, Mr. K.C. Pant, says that discussions will have to continue if a negotiated solution to the Kashmir problem is to found.

``The notion that one can try and solve a complicated and long- pending problem of this nature in a short time is misplaced. A peaceful solution requires a prolong discussion. The next step will be to analyse various inputs which I have received. These also include various suggestions which can be acted upon. While some will have short-term impact, others will serve useful purpose in the long-term,'' he said here while talking to newspersons, who accompanied him.

Mr. Pant said that the people who met him in Srinagar, Leh, Kargil and Jammu gave expression to their ``pent up feelings.'' For him, the ``Mission Kashmir'' appeared to be well cut-out: try and build a climate of trust and understanding with the people of the State. ``The discussions have to be held in a climate of genuine understanding. Once that relationship of trust

is developed, differences can also be discussed openly and frankly.''

While wrapping up his visit last night, Mr. Pant reiterated what he had been saying since April when he was named by the Union Government to hold political dialogue as part of the efforts to restore peace and normality in the troubled State. ``This is the process which has been started. This is a continuous process. A meaningful political dialogue is the only answer to a peaceful resolution to the problem in Kashmir,'' he said.

Asked if he was satisfied with the response in the Valley and other regions of the State, Mr. Pant said: ``There is a lot of goodwill among the people who want to help in moving forward the process of dialogue.''

After having listened to different views, Mr. Pant appeared to be in a mood to answer those who have been critical of his peace mission. ``If anybody says that I have met only those people and groups whose views were already known and who have not been critical, he is grossly underestimating. I will say that it was good of the people who chose to meet me. When there is an opportunity for open dialogue without any conditions, why not avail it,'' he said.

In an apparent reference to the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, which outrightly ignored the Pant mission and described it as an attempt to ``catch fish in a desert'', Mr. Pant replied: ``These elements are answerable to the people of Kashmir. The stand of the groups who have stayed away will be interpreted as the one trying to block the peace process''.

Mr. Pant said that inherent strength of a democracy was the ability to discuss and solve complex problems through consensus. ``There are instances of secessionist movements, giving up their path and heading governments in a democratic set up. We have to rely upon the flexibility and inherent powers which can be drawn upon constructively. Violence is no answer to any problem, it is against democratic values.''

In his opinion, the people in the State were tired of the violence and militancy and were yearning for peace. ``I faced absolutely no problem in my efforts to hold dialogue. People spoke to me with good deal of enthusiasm and welcomed me.''

He admitted that the people faced unnecessary harassment at times at the hands of various security agencies but felt that security forces were also operating under great deal of stress and constraint.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : 'Autonomy, not division, only solution'
Next     : 14 militants killed in J&K