SRINAGAR: The word among political pundits is rife that Modi will arrive with an aviary of “bold” postures that may include a veiled threat to Pakistan and a stark assertion about BJP’s wish to do away with article 370 of Indian constitution, which recently kicked up a political storm. Hawks among those pundits would want Modi to throw up a bravado about crossing over to Pakistan in order to “dismantle the terrorist infrastructure”. But some of the measured forecasts about the crucial visit suggest Modi may avoid the tough talk and would not indulge in extravagant promises.
About ‘Pakistani machinations’ and potential threats, the prime minister would certainly get an earful from the army brass during the three-hour security review. Yet, his public utterances are likely to sound more nuanced than his predecessor Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose humanism regarding Kashmir and Pakistan has been more often invoked by both separatists as well as pro-India mainstream politicians.
Informed observers say the prime minister would make slightly different noises in Jammu and Kashmir regions. “Modi can recast the already prepared script about the return of Kashmiri Pandits with full dignity. During his stay in Kashmir he may chant peace and refer to Srinagar-Muzaffarabad trade via LoC points,” said a Jammu-based analyst who wished not to be quoted by name.
The cash-and-kind package for the return of pundits accounts for around Rs 20 lakh. Group Housing Societies are proposed to facilitate the reclaiming and reconstruction of pandit houses. “But the Modi government will have to choose right words because the issue has already touched upon Kashmir’s sensitivities and Geelani has threatened agitation against the purported move of carving out settlements out of Kashmiri regions,” he asserted.
Meanwhile analysts are keeping their fingers crossed as there are indications that Modi may throw up a political challenge to the separatist leaders. “Why would Modi choose Kashmir to speak about terrorism, Pakistan and infiltration. Those are issues to be taken up with Pakistan and Washington. He knows his business well. He would avoid any reference that would add to the already piled up misgiving regarding the BJP’s intentions about Kashmir,” says an analyst adding that the Prime Minister’s assertions would largely depend on the length of the rope RSS might have afforded him to frame the new Kashmir policy. “It remains to be seen whether a balancing act would cool tempers in Kashmir or create yet another round of fury.”
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
