The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Friday, January 19, 2001,
Chandigarh, India

THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS

50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

M A I N N E W S

Final decision on truce after review: Advani
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Jan 18 — The Centre seems to be in a catch-22 situation on whether to extend the unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir beyond January 26 as on the one hand Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s bold step has won accolades from the international community on the other hand it has been forced to rethink due to escalation of attacks by Pakistan-backed militant groups.

While the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who met the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, virtually indicated that the ceasefire should not be extended, Mr L.K. Advani maintained that any decision on the ceasefire should essentially be after a “thorough review of all the aspects linked to it”.

“We will have to consider all aspects in totality before taking a final decision on whether to extend or not the ceasefire beyond January 26,” Mr Advani told newspersons at his North Block office.

Stating that the review meeting was likely to be held “a few days” before the ceasefire came to an end, the Home Minister pointed out that not only the views of the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister would have to be taken into account, but also the views of the Defence Ministry, Home Ministry and the Army would have a bearing on the final decision.

“As far now, we have not taken any decision on the issue,” he maintained.

He further stated that the decision would be taken keeping in view the aspirations of the Kashmiris, who were fed up with the decade-old militancy in the valley, and also on the militants attack on Red Fort, Srinagar airport and today’s improvised device explosions in Srinagar.

He pointed out that there was also a view from some quarters that like in September and October last year, the security forces should go on the offensive against the militants to stop their “dastardly” act.

“In September and October there was definite fall in terrorist activities... Several militants, including foreign mercenaries were killed by our security forces,” he said.

On the issue of passports to Hurriyat leaders for travelling to Pakistan, Mr Advani said “the views emanating from the Hurriyat camp and Pakistan, as reported by the Press, seem to be taking cognisance of what government seems to be thinking.”

Regretting the escalation of violence in Kashmir, the Home Minister said the main reason behind the bold initiative taken by the Prime Minister in November by announcing the ceasefire was to create an atmosphere for peace talks.

“We expected a positive and prompt response to our initiative from Pakistan. We were at least happy to receive their communication, though after considerable time, saying that they will reduce shelling in borders and call back some of their forces deployed along the LoC. But the main blockade in the peace initiative is Pakistan’s conscious failure to stop militant outfits like the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Hizbul Mujahideen from escalating violence in the Kashmir valley,” Mr Advani observed.

Farooq expresses reservations
To stand by Centre’s decision on truce
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Jan 18 — The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, has expressed his reservations about the continuance of the peace initiative in view of the continuing violence in the state.

Dr Farooq Abdullah today met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Home Minister L.K. Advani to apprise them of the situation in the state. The meeting with Mr Vajpayee lasted for about 30 minutes.

“The killing of innocent people has not stopped during the ceasefire,” Dr Farooq Abdullah later told mediapersons.

“I have put forth my views to the Prime Minister and it is for him to decide,” he said. He, however, made it clear that he would stand by the Centre’s decision.

He said the ceasefire did not mean that borders remain silent but there should be overall improvement in the situation. “But violence is increasing in the state and suicide attacks have been carried out by militants,” he said.

The Chief Minister said groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Hizb ul-Mujahideen were under Pakistani control and did not want peace to prevail.

“The Centre should tell the world that Pakistan has not been sincere in its efforts. If Pakistan can reduce tension along the border then it can very well rein in the militant groups created by them,” Dr Abdullah said.

The ceasefire announced by the Prime Minister on November 27 is due to end on January 26. “All aspects and continued killings by militants need an introspection by the Centre before extending ceasefire,” Dr Abdullah said.

Favouring Indo-Pak dialogue, he said Pakistan should first take steps to stop trans-border terrorism.