Backchannel talks between the Indian government and Kashmiri separatists have led to a thaw in relations, with increasing indications that peace talks may resume soon, Deccan Herald reported.
After a period of deadlock, attributed largely to the BJP’s assertive approach towards Jammu Kashmir, the Centre is reportedly ready to restart meaningful dialogue with key separatist groups, particularly the Hurriyat Conference, which has been led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent political and religious figure in Kashmir.
Sources suggest that the government has softened its stance following a shift in the mindset of influential separatist leaders. These leaders, it is believed, have recognized the futility of ongoing confrontation and discord, prompting a shift towards dialogue. The Centre, in turn, sees this as an opportunity to “broaden the peace constituency” and has decided to make overtures to the Hurriyat Conference in the hope of securing lasting peace in the region.
A senior BJP leader, quoted by the Deccan Herald report, noted that the engagement with the Hurriyat could help “contain divisive forces” and “achieve larger goals.”
A Hurriyat leader, when asked about the reported behind-the-scenes talks with the Centre, emphasized that backchannel negotiations are a common and crucial part of peace processes. He confirmed that the Hurriyat has always supported addressing the region’s issues through dialogue.
Reflecting on past engagements, the Hurriyat leader recalled the positive spirit in which the Mirwaiz-led group participated in dialogue initiated by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Vajpayee’s approach, which emphasized ‘Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat, and Kashmiriyat’ (humanity, democracy, and the unique ethno-social values of Kashmir), was well-received by the Hurriyat.
In a recent interview, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed disappointment over the missed opportunities for engagement during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He stated that while Vajpayee’s initiative was lauded for its vision and humanitarian approach, the subsequent governments, including Singh’s, did not follow through on these ideas.
Political observers in Kashmir also note that despite Prime Minister Modi’s public statements in 2014 expressing a desire to follow Vajpayee’s peace initiative, was notably absent from Modi’s policies.