As Rajnath looks to break the ice, Hurriyat issues fresh calendar of protests

Srinagar, Aug 25: The Union Home Minister is looking to widen his outreach in a bid to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Singh landed in the state on Wednesday and has been making attempts to restore peace even as the Hurriyat Conference upped the ante by issuing a fresh calendar of events.

So far there has been no breakthrough and Singh is expected to make certain policy announcements before he returns to Delhi on Thursday. Talks with the separatists are not on the schedule of the home minister.

The Hurriyat Conference continues to stick to its demands and the government is in no mood to accept them.

The Hurriyat has been demanding the repeal of AFSPA, release all detainees, acknowledge the disputed nature of the state and also book cases against police officials and the CRPF.

In its latest calendar events starting August 24 and ending September 1, the Hurriyat has decided to lead a march and tell the Indian army to vacate. On August 27, the Hurriyat plans to march to the army camp at Badami Bagh in Srinagar and ask them to vacate Jammu and Kashmir.

Breaking the ice

As part of his outreach Singh is expected to make a statement on the issue of pellet guns. However, he may not be able to announce a complete ban since the security forces are against it. Sources in the Home Ministry tell OneIndia that strict guidelines will be announced on the use of pellet guns.

In addition to this the Home Minster is also likely to announce a commission of inquiry to probe into alleged excesses committed by the security forces. It would be on the lines of the Justice Pandian commission of Inquiry, the official also noted.

Singh would also work out a solution with the Jammu and Kashmir government to ensure that the 46 day curfew is lifted. Singh will also announce the arrival of civil society members on Saturday who will hold talks with the people so that they come on board for talks.

An announcement on incentives for teachers to take extra classes so as to compensate the students who have missed classes for over a month now is also expected to made.

Hurriyat adamant

The Hurriyat, however, continues to remain adamant. Apart from sticking to their demands, the Hurriyat Conference has once again issued a fresh calendar of events and this effectively means that peace is unlikely to return anytime soon.

The Hurriyat issues a weekly calendar in which it lists out activities. Many say that unless and until the Hurriyat stops issuing such calendars, peace is unlikely to return to the Valley. The separatists have control on over 10 per cent of the population in the state.

In its latest calendar events starting August 24 and ending September 1, the Hurriyat has decided to lead a march and tell the Indian Army to vacate. On August 27, the Hurriyat plans to march to the army camp at Badami Bagh in Srinagar and ask them to vacate Jammu and Kashmir.

Further the Hurriyat also has called for a shutdown in the entire state. This would effectively mean that normal life will continue to remain disrupted and the curfew is likely to continue.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will todayon Thursday meet with several officials in the state and find a way to ensure that peace returns. Singh during his discussions with various leaders on Wednesday had also emphasised on the need of providing employment opportunities so that the youth do not take to the streets and protest.

OneIndia News