Srinagar: Backchannel communications between the government of India and Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders have reportedly eased tensions, increasing the likelihood of the Indian government resuming peace talks with the Hurriyat leadership, Decan Chronicle reported.
The initiative, previously hindered by concerns about its outcomes and the BJP’s assertive policies in Jammu and Kashmir, now appears to be gaining momentum.
The report quoting reliable sources said the government is keen to ‘broaden the peace constituency’ by re-engaging with the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat Conference in meaningful and sustained dialogue. This shift follows what is being described as a ‘change of heart’ among influential Hurriyat leaders, who have begun to see the futility of confrontation.
The Modi government has reportedly moderated its hardline approach due to shifting political dynamics in JK following recent assembly elections.
A BJP leader, speaking anonymously to Decan Chronicle, confirmed the government’s willingness to provide political space to some leaders and initiate open talks with the Hurriyat, citing a positive shift in their mindset. He referenced a viral video by Hurriyat executive member Abdul Gani Bhat, where Bhat criticised the Hurriyat movement as “directionless” and acknowledged its detrimental impact on the people of JK.
The BJP leader emphasised that engaging with the Hurriyat could be a strategic mechanism to “counter divisive forces and achieve broader goals,” although he did not elaborate on these objectives.
A Hurriyat leader acknowledged the ongoing backchannel negotiations, highlighting their importance in peacebuilding efforts. He reiterated that the Hurriyat has always been open to dialogue and pointed to the group’s active participation in discussions initiated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, under the principles of “Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat, and Kashmiriyat” (humanity, democracy, and Kashmiri cultural identity).
However, he criticised subsequent governments for failing to sustain these efforts. He noted that while the Congress-led UPA government under Manmohan Singh initially expressed support for dialogue, it did not follow through with concrete actions. He also recalled that the last formal meeting between Hurriyat leaders and Singh was in 2007, during which several proposals were submitted but never acted upon.
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