Namrata Biji Ahuja
New Delhi, Nov. 3: The Centre is contemplating a "political autonomy package" for Jammu and Kashmir that will evolve over a couple of years.
The process of dialogue and "quiet diplomacy" being initiated by the government to bring an end to the Kashmir imbroglio will take off from the 2006 round table conference on Kashmir convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The Centre is awaiting the final report of a working group headed by Justice Sageer Ahmad on the question of Centre-state and state-Centre region relations, expected to be submitted shortly, to decide the contours of the package for J&K, official sources in the government told this newspaper.
The Prime Minister had set up five working groups to recommend measures for dealing with the major problems of the state after the 2006 round table conference, representing most of the ethnic groups of the state. Four working groups have already submitted their reports, related to confidence-building measures, strengthening relations across the Line of Control, economic development and ensuring good governance in J&K.
The Centre is now awaiting the final report of the working group headed by Justice Ahmad.
Government sources said the demands of separatist and non-separatist groups, including those who are outside the electoral process, would be considered by the Centre. The "unique solution" being suggested by the Union home minister P. Chidambaram for groups in the Valley, however, would be within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
"We are working out a political autonomy package for J&K. We are hoping that the dialogue process goes smoothly. It should take 12-18 months to firm up the package, which will be acceptable to all groups and the people of Jammu and Kashmir," a ksenior home ministry official said. Sources pointed out said that unlike the 2006 round table in which the Hurriyat leadership refused to participate, this time the government will hold quiet parleys with all groups in the Valley who have a solution to offer for Kashmir. "We are talking to everyone. It is high time a permanent solution is worked out. But it has to be done in an amicable way," a senior home ministry official said.
The home ministry is keen to avoid a repeat of the 2006 Amarnath land controversy, which could disrupt the dialogue. "We will hold a dialogue with every shade of political opinion in Jammu and Kashmir to find a solution in a civilised way. The dialogue will not be in full media glare. It will be through quiet diplomacy," Mr Chidambaram had recently said.
The Centre, meanwhile has also initiated the process of pulling out military and paramilitary forces from the valley to make the atmosphere conducive for talks. Ten CRPF battalions and one brigade of the Army are in the process of being withdrawn from the state.
