Beginning of process
Is there a beginning of a process which will change the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is the question being asked in the political circles of Jammu and Kashmir after the media reports from New Delhi suggested that there would be dialogue between the mainstream political parties and BJP government.
Recently after months of silence PAGD held a meeting at the residence of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and after the meeting while talking to media head of this amalgam Farooq Abdullah indicated that they were ready for the talks with the Centre and said that they have never closed the doors on negotiations. Reports said that Ghulam Nabi Azad has played an important role to motivate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for restoration of statehood as early as possible with some guarantees so that mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, especially People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), could take a plunge to participate in the Assembly elections.
Recently, media reports said that Sajad Lone was also in New Delhi to hold talks through back channels and he also insisted on restoration of statehood with some guarantees for the people of Jammu and Kashmir for participation in Assembly elections.
According to media reports, the PAGD leadership is likely to visit New Delhi and hold formal talks with the BJP leadership to hammer out a mutually acceptable solution to the present political impasse. The National Conference has already shown its willingness to engage with the delimitation commission and the PAGD is also not averse to any kind of talks with the Centre in the present circumstances. Sources within the PAGD said that it is only Mehbooba Mufti who told Farooq Abdullah that the Centre must declare something for Jammu and Kashmir before they go for any negotiations officially.
