Pragmatic Euphony  

Omar Abdullah’s interview stresses the issues highlighted earlier.

Reading Omar Abdullah’s interview with Karan Thapar on The Devil’s Advocate reaffirms all the points raised in this blogpost last week. National Conference [NC] and People’s Democratic Party [PDP] don’t see eye to eye as they pander to different constituencies in Kashmir. If one observes closely, it is the internal politics in mainstream Kashmir that is being played in their support for various factions of the Hurriyat.The Muftis support the hardliner Geelani faction while the Abdullahs are endorsing the moderate Mirwaiz faction of the Hurriyat.

Check out Omar Abdullah’s views about Mirwaiz.

Karan Thapar: Let us for a moment concentrate on the Mirwaiz’s view. I take your caution that he is only voice, albeit the most important in the Hurriyat, but do you think his statement indicates a significant shift in his thinking and position.

Omar Abdullah: As I said I think he has obviously given it a lot of thought. He does recognise that his is not the only voice in the Valley.

It is not the only voice in the separatist camp; it is not the only voice in the mainstream camp. It is a well-thought out position and it is a position that allows us room to maneuver.

And here are his views on Mehbooba Mufti’s support for Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Karan Thapar: But if these talks comes close to some sort of solutions, would it stick, if Geelani is not part of the process? (PDP leader) Mehbooba Mufti, for instance, said it wouldn’t stand the test of the scrutiny.

Omar Abdullah: Well, she has a different equation with him than we do. Perhaps, that’s her political compulsion and necessity in that line. He (Geelani) does not represent Kashmir; he represents a selection of opinion in Kashmir.

If that section of opinion chooses to remain out of the process, you can’t force them into it. But they are not the majority of the people. If the majority of the people are willing to go with whatever solution been worked out that is what will happen?

Karan Thapar: So the talks can proceed without Geelani ?

Omar Abdullah: I believe so. For the time being I think yes.

The situation in Kashmir is a situation in flux where there is little visible progress happening right now. Various players are articulating their position and exploring the space for further manoeuvre as the situation develops. This is an extremely critical phase of the peace process which will influence the eventual outcome of these talks. Indian government has little option but to keep its cards close to the chest as it feels (and perhaps fumbles) its ways through the process. Keep your fingers crossed…