India should seize the opportunity to initiate political dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue
Syed Ali Shah Geelani One Kashmiri was more Islamist than nationalist, and his death At the age of 92, she unveils an era of separatist politics in the Valley. he represented a stern pro-Pakistan stream of Kashmiri separatism. Geelani inspired an armed rebellion and remained a strong obstacle to any possible political dialogue between New Delhi and Kashmir separatists. He opposed the solution to the Kashmir question that was helped by former Pakistan dictator Pervez Musharraf. Geelani’s insistence hardened with age, but his death did not stir up public outrage in Kashmir, even if attributed to heavy policing and communication restrictions in the Valley. But it cannot be denied that people have become wary of the constant cycle of conflict. Geelani’s politics was losing widespread support even before Indian action against separatists gained a new offensive following the Pulwama suicide attack in February 2019. The Narendra Modi government abandoned talks not only with separatists in Kashmir, but also with mainstream political parties. Half-hearted initiative in June this year. After the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir Its autonomy was stripped and reorganized into two union territories In August 2019, the decline of separatists, including Geelani, was evident.
Pakistan’s enthusiasm about the unstable situation in Afghanistan and the return of Taliban to power in Kabul will have an impact on the situation in Kashmir. The Taliban have said they will “raise a voice for the Muslims of Kashmir” and Pakistan has always said that peace in Afghanistan is tied to a resolution in Kashmir. Global Islamists rejoice over the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. With Pakistan emerging as a major influencer in Kabul, the US will have to find new terms of engagement with it. New Delhi is in a self-congratulatory posture over Kashmir. Far from isolation, questions of autonomy have also been made irrelevant in the dialogue on Kashmir, which now revolves around the restoration of its full statehood. However, the mistake should not be made of accepting the relative calm and silence in the Valley. Political parties have expressed dismay at the fact that the June talks between him and Mr. Modi were aimless and not followed up. Political dialogue with mainstream parties should be pursued with utmost seriousness. Anarchy in Afghanistan presents challenges for India, especially in Kashmir, which require extensive consultation with the international community. But Geelani’s death could be an opportunity to set the stage for new talks with various Kashmiri organizations. The government should use this moment to initiate a comprehensive dialogue to find the way forward for the future of the people of Kashmir as an integral part of India.
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