iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Ashok Bhan, the head of Kashmir (Police & Strategy) Group has offered to act as an intermediary between the different Kashmiri communities, especially the Muslims and Pandits in an attempt to reach out to the stakeholders and start the dialogue process.
“There is a dire need for mutual trust and confidence between the communities of same ethnicity namely Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims to build a united fight against the radicalized elements, the new age terrorists and the OGWs (over ground workers,” said Bhan.
Any person who helps militants and terrorists with logistic and monetary support to operate in any area is identified by the Indian security forces as an over ground worker for the terrorist organization.
According to Bhan the spate of protests cutting across communities and the political parties in the troubled state after the recent killings of innocent civilians was evidence that the soul of Kashmir and humanity both were alive and kicking.
“Peace and security are sine qua non for sustainable development in an inclusive society,” Bhan said. “Kashmir has been a citadel of pluralism, amity, brotherhood and trust between communities primarily because the Kashmiri society comprises of the same ethnicity, unlike in the rest of India.”
Bhan said the people of Kashmir were the real stakeholders in the state. “The terrorists are acting on the orders of their bosses across the border and to protect their vested interest. It is the people who are the real stakeholder, and they want peace,” he said.
“For that to happen its important the communities of the valley are brought on the same page to exert an inclusive socio-political narrative and isolate the radical elements,” Bhan added.
The former official Kashmir interlocutor Dr MM Ansari said the return of the killing bullets to the valley was unfortunate.
“Those striving for peace have been working hard over the years. Their efforts will fail if we cannot bring together the people of the Valley together. Peace is vital to protect the interests of all Kashmiris,” said Ansari.
Ansari urged the Kashmir lieutenant governor, Manoj Sinha to engage with the civil society and the stakeholders and help the intra-communities initiate the dialogue process by NGOs and other groups concerned.
