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Advani discusses state's problems with J&K legislators

A central team led by Union Home Minister on Sunday met legislators of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly and council to discuss solutions to the problems faced by people in the terrorism-hit state.

While maintaining that security forces have for the first time gained an upper hand in the battle against militancy in J&K, Advani ruled out tri-furcation of the state.

"In states like those in the north east and J&K, I have always said that in the ultimate analysis it is the state government and the state police who are the principle contributors in the fight against the militancy," the home minister pointed out.

Advani was in Srinagar to chair a high level meeting of the unified command, which was attended by the defence minister, chief minister, state governor, three corps commanders, intelligence chiefs, top police and central officials.

The high level meeting followed a two hour long meeting between the central team and J&K legislators. The central team discussed the problems being faced by border migrants and other issues.

Advani said that in the high level meeting, the officers emphasised that the 'fight against militancy in J&K should be backed by accelerated development in the state and the willingness to hold dialogue with those who lay down their arms and come to the negotiating table'.

He said the Hizbul Mujahideen had taken an initiative and government responded positively. The home minister added, "Subsequently, Pakistan saw to it that dialogue was subverted."

The home minister said that post Kargil 'the country has achieved major successes on the international level against states indulging in cross border terrorism. "Pakistan is certainly one such state."

Earlier, the central team had detailed discussions with members of both the state assembly and council on the problems faced by people living in the border areas. The members told the central team that whenever fencing work on the border is begun, there is apprehension of 'escalation of hostilities forcing the people to vacate their homes'.

The legislators demanded that temporary arrangements be made for alternate accommodation for the displaced persons. "The provision of tents would not be enough to meet the demand and government should consider providing temporary sheds for displaced persons on priority."

They demanded that the fencing be done at the zero point instead of leaving some land behind the fencing line as people would be deprived of their agricultural land.

They demanded that a mass employment drive in the army, paramilitary forces and police be undertaken and the young boys recruited be put on the borders to check infiltration. Besides, solving the employment problem, it would also send a strong message to those fomenting terrorism in the state, they said.

Advani strongly opposed the idea of tri-furcation of J&K saying, "We do not support it."

It may be noted that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had recently demanded the tri-furcation of J&K.

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