SRINAGAR: Ex-RAW chief AS Dulat has suggested early elections and the restoration of statehood as the way forward for Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview with Hindustan Times at an event in Chandigarh, Dulat stated that empathy is required for the region, just like the border-sensitive state of Punjab.
Dulat further stated that Kashmiris have reconciled themselves to the abrogation of Article 370, and the issue is now alive only in political rhetoric and the case in the Supreme Court. Since the situation in the Valley is under control, it is time to move forward politically.
Dulat suggested that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi were to visit Srinagar and announce elections and restore statehood, he would win over Kashmiris. Kashmiris want peace with honor and dignity, and the biggest fear for the past 25 years has been what will happen if they are reduced to a minority in their own land.
Dulat also defined Kashmiriyat as togetherness and cited the crowds that joined Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra on its last leg in Anantnag. He reiterated the message for New Delhi that Kashmir needs a leader who can manage the Valley and Delhi and understand both. He placed his trust in traditional mainstream parties of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly NC leader and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah.
“Rahul promoted the idea of India in Kashmir,” he said, reiterating the message for New Delhi. “Kashmir needs a leader who can manage the Valley and Delhi. A leader who understands both. NC leader and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah can bridge dil ki doori and dilli ki doori,” he said, reposing faith in traditional mainstream parties of Jammu and Kashmir.
