Editorial
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| | Frivolous taunt | | Farooq Abdullah’s pot shots at separatist leaders are ill-timed, ill-advised | | Although the so-called dialogue process itself continues to be elusive mainly because of deteriorating ‘political visibility’ contenders and pretenders feel tempted to indulge in self-serving adventurism. Dr Farooq Abdullah, whose being in the central cabinet has made no difference to handling of the affairs of his home state by New Delhi, is in the habit of exposing his ignorance by indulging in muckraking over some of the crucial issues. Dr Abdullah’s ill-advised comment on the dialogue process is the latest instance of his incorrigible tendency. Firstly, it is widely known that the National Conference patron is not in the loop so he is not expected to know what was really happening behind the scene. Secondly, the dialogue process is not a favour to one or the other side because it is an inherent obligation under the existing circumstances. If New Delhi is not forthcoming to play ball consequences would not take too long to reveal on the surface. That much ought to be clear to everyone including Dr Abdullah whose illustrious father took over two decades to find it convenient to take the course of dialogue. Thirdly, the ups and downs in the dialogue process are directly linked to the course of events related to the bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan.
It is foolish to presume that the separatists in Kashmir were dying for talking to the Indian government. Likewise, it is nonsense to taunt that New Delhi would not ‘beg’ for the dialogue. Why should it? Objectively speaking, the onus for dithering over the dialogue issue squarely lies upon New Delhi which has to take the first step. Before opening his mouth on this subject, Dr Abdullah would have done himself a favour if he had cared to weigh his words. As is his habit, he has once again put his foot in his mouth.
If it were simply a question of scoring brownie points between him and the separatist leaders the issue would not have merited serious attention. But the issue which Dr Abdullah sought to focus upon happened to be a serious one. Coming against the backdrop of the bonhomie between India and Pakistan, following the visit of external affairs minister SM Krishna to Islamabad last week, the question of dialogue with the estranged leadership assumes greater significance. It is most undesirable to inject or provoke bad faith into the situation at this point in time.
Dr Farooq has either failed to grasp the delicate nuances of the scenario or he must have been impelled by some ulterior motive to vitiate the atmosphere by hurling taunts at the separatist leaders. India and Pakistan have just managed to chart break the vicious circle of mutual animosity. Precipitation in Kashmir is the last thing which the emerging fragile scenario can tolerate. Priority of the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan might have been changed in a larger perspective but its significance, as also its serious implications, remain undiluted. The issue remains as fraught as it has ever been. One needs to only take a look back and see how the issue has been manifesting in one form or the other every time it was sought to be pushed under the carpet for too long.
There is no need for New Delhi to ‘beg’ for the dialogue just as the separatist leaders are not dying to be invited for talks. The process is riddled with complications for both sides although its adoption is acknowledged to be inevitable. Dr Abdullah does not seem to appreciate this fact. That is why he feels free to indulge in frivolity. |
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