The Hindu : Not for Governor's rule: Omar

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Aug 04, 2002

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Not for Governor's rule: Omar

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR AUG. 3. The Minister of State for External Affairs and National Conference president, Omar Abdullah, has no objection even if all the polling staff are brought from outside but is not ready to accept Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir.

In an exclusive interview to The Hindu, Mr Abdullah, in fact, said that he was disappointed that the separatists were not taking part in the coming elections.

He said the elections had assumed importance because the international community had accepted India's stand on Kashmir and even agreed that the Shimla agreement could be the basis for any dialogue between India and Pakistan. For the resumption of dialogue with Pakistan, a reduction in violence was absolutely necessary, he said.

Mr. Abdullah said his party was open to any offer for a tie-up in the elections.

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EC has always played an objective role: Omar

The 32-year-old chief of the National Conference, Omar Abdullah, is keen on repeating the splendid victory of 1996 and for that he is busy finding suitable candidates. Aspiring to be the next Chief Minister, Mr. Abdullah believes that the achievements of his father's Government could be the poll plank, even as the party has not backed out on the issue of autonomy. In a conversation with The Hindu, Mr. Abdullah sought to make it clear that a confrontation with the Centre is not the solution to any problem.

Question: How do you react to the poll schedule announcement?

Omar Abdullah: The National Conference has welcomed it. I think it is a correct step given all the uncertainty that had crept in over the last few months regarding the postponement of elections.

Was it expected?

We had hoped for that, may be a bit later, but you cannot take the Election Commission for granted. It has to take the ground situation into account. We knew what it was. But you cannot discount various other reports being sent to the Commission.

Do you think the elections are much hyped this time?

I think the international community has decided that India's position is absolutely correct. Accession to India is final and that they (India) will talk to the elected representatives of the people regarding their grievances. The representative character assumes greater importance, that is why we have been pressing for greater participation.

That means India stands vindicated?

Yes, now the U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, talks about the Shimla agreement as basis for resolving the outstanding issues between India and Pakistan.

Why is the Centre objecting to international observers?

Because there is no such precedence and it will question the credibility of the Election Commission, which has always played an objective role rather than a political one. But one thing is clear, that officials from all the embassies in India, besides the NGOs of our country can come and witness the process. And I think we will have a large presence of such people.

There is a report that the election staff may be brought from outside the State. How do you react?

We welcome it. Anything short of Governor's rule to instil confidence in the fairness of the elections is acceptable.

What is your feedback on the Powell-Musharraf talks on the question of violence?

The NC is losing its men every day and the Congress office was also attacked. When we actually see that there is no disruption, only then will we assume that the militants will not carry on with their sinister designs. There is no evidence on the ground except the statements from Gen. Musharraf, which he keeps on changing from Powell to Bush and Newsweek to Saudi newspapers and then something different to the Pakistani audience. So far, we have only had disappointment on that front.

Do you think a dialogue between India and Pakistan will be resumed?

I think the dialogue will resume but a meaningful dialogue will resume only when there is a great deal of reduction in violence.

Why did your father (Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah) change his mind on handing over power to you last month.

Because I was not willing to take over without having a mandate of my own from the people of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. That is why it did not happen. Even for a single day I did not want to be Chief Minister.

Do you think there are people in Delhi who are working against the interests of the NC even if you are part of the National Democratic Alliance?

I do not want to comment on that. But the fact is that those who supported Governor's rule or change in the Governor did not succeed.

Are you disillusioned with the Centre?

One should not go as far as disillusionment but we were certainly disappointed when the autonomy resolution was rejected. But now the dialogue has started and we are hopeful it will go on well.

When you talk about autonomy as political Bible of the NC, why do you shy away from a confrontation with the Centre on such a vital issue as other States do on such issues?

Other States do not have a confrontation with Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir has international confrontations and we want to resolve the issues amicably.

Are you relieved that the separatists are not contesting elections?

No, I am disappointed. I would love if there were greater participation.

Are you the Chief Ministerial candidate of the NC?

I am neither ruling out anything nor ruling anything in. It is the decision of the party as the dates for nominations come closer.

Are you keen to be Chief Minister?

Who would not like to be. But at the moment, the thrust of our party is to select the best candidates for the elections to repeat the 1996 victory.

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