Allies mellow down on controversial issues

Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 1

The PDP and the BJP, which represent two diametrically different ideologies, today formed a coalition by dumping contentious issues. Both climbed down on controversial issues to arrive at a consensus.

The 16-page agenda for alliance suggested that both parties tried to adopt the middle path by shunning their earlier positions to finalise the agenda.

Both parties decided to maintain status quo on Article 370 and AFSPA revocation. It was decided that the coalition would examine the need to denotify ‘disturbed areas’.

“This will enable the Centre to take a final view on the continuation of AFSPA,” read the agenda. The PDP adopted the middle path on AFSPA.

The BJP climbed down on the issue of citizenship for West Pakistan refugees. “Take measures for sustenance and livelihood of West Pakistan refugees,” read the agenda.

The language on delimitation to end political discrimination with the Jammu region was similar. “Constitute a delimitation commission for delimiting seats as required by law,” read the agenda.

Both parties arrived at a consensus on six issues, including dialogue with Pakistan and talks with the Hurriyat Conference.

Controversial issues in agenda for alliance:

Article 370

PDP demands further strengthening of this Articlegranting special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP is a supporter of its complete abrogation.

Considering the political and legislative realities, the present position will be maintained on all constitutional positions, including special status in the Constitution of India.

AFSPA

PDP wants this Act to be revoked. The party wants a written assurance in the common minimum programme on revocation in a phased manner.

BJP argues that being a stakeholder, the viewpoint of the Army should be taken before taking any decision on AFSPA.

It has been decided that the coalition will examine the need for denotifying ‘disturbed areas’. This will enable the Centre to take a final view on continuation of AFSPA.

Citizenship rights

Refugees from West Pakistan had entered Jammu during Partition. Since 1947, a majority of them had been living without citizenship rights.

The BJP is advocating that citizenship rights should be given. This issue was the centre of the BJP’s poll campaign in Jammu.

The PDP is seeking to maintain status quo on granting state subject rights. They will take measures for sustenance and livelihood to the refugees.

Talks with Pakistan

The PDP wants an unconditional dialogue with Pakistan to solve issues, including Kashmir. It wants a concrete assurance on efforts to normalise ties.

The BJP argues that terrorism and dialogue cannot go together. The Centre had recently initiated several steps to normalise the relationship.

The coalition will seek to support and strengthen the approach and initiatives taken to create a reconciliatory environment and build stakes for all in peace and development within the subcontinent.

Talks with separatists

The PDP is advocating that the Centre should initiate an unconditional dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference and other separatists of the Valley.

The BJP is opposed to giving importance to groups like the Hurriyat Conference and others which are non-state actors.

The government will facilitate and help initiate a sustained and meaningful dialogue with all internal stakeholders, including all political groups, irrespective of ideological views.

Delimitation commission

The BJP is demanding a written assurance on a delimitation commission to end political discrimination against the Jammu province.

The PDP is arguing that the Assembly has embargoed setting up of a delimitation commission in Jammu and Kashmir till 2026.

The coalition will constitute a delimitation commission of Legislative Assembly constituencies as required under the law.

2002 agreement between Congress and PDP

• The coalition government to request the Government of India to initiate and hold, sincerely and seriously, wide ranging consultations and dialogue, without conditions, with the members of the legislature and other segments of public opinion in all the three regions of the state, to evolve a broad-based consensus on restoration of peace with honour in the state.
• The government reaffirms that the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their motherland is an essential ingredient of Kashmiriyat. The government will seek the cooperation of all elements in society to create an atmosphere conducive to their safe return, will take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and devise effective measures for their rehabilitation and employment.
• The government shall review the operation of all such laws that have been used in the past decade to deprive people of their basic rights to life and liberty for long periods of time, without due legal process. Where the government deems that some special powers need to be retained, it will ensure, by instituting careful and transparent pre-screening and monitoring procedures, that such powers are used sparingly and those entrusted with them are held accountable for any misuse.
• Persons living close to the LoC and the international border face special difficulties due to recurrent tension and cross-border violence. Permanent shelters will be constructed in all vulnerable areas to prevent loss of life.The government will also devise a scheme to provide, wherever feasible, alternative land to such families in safe zones