Centre to engage separatist leaders to bring them into political mainstream

New Delhi: In a crucial move that could impact the security scenario in the Kashmir Valley, the Centre is likely to initiate the process of engaging with separatist leaders, particularly from the Hurriyat, in a bid to bring them into the political mainstream much the same way as Sajjad Lone. A former separatist leader himself, Mr Lone not only successfully contested the Assembly elections but is now a minister.

Sources said the Centre may not have raised an alarm over separatist leaders attending the Pakistan Day celebrations probably with a view to bring them into the political mainstream.

Earlier, in August last year, the Centre had called off foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan following a similar meeting between Pakistan high commissioner, Abdul Basit and the Hurriyat leaders. But now there is a view within the government that it needs to engage with the separatist leaders also in the Valley and bring them on board in an attempt to deal with the problems of the region.

The BJP is already running a coalition government in the state with the PDP, which has always been in favour of talks with all stakeholders, including Pakistan and Hurriyat leaders, to meet regional aspirations.

Sources claimed that initial feelers to the separatist leaders had already been sent and both the Centre and the state were hopeful that gradually the Hurriyat would come to the talking table. The reason for sending minister of state external affairs V.K. Singh as the government’s representative to the Pakistan Day celebrations is also being seen as an attempt by the Centre to prepare a favourable atmosphere for the talks.

"The fact that the Modi government could convince even a former separatist like Sajjad Lone to become part of the electoral process is a hugely positive development. The same can happen with some other Hurriyat leaders and we will feel that eventually they too will come on board. We are hopeful that the response from them will be positive," a senior government functionary said.

Before deciding on the future course of action the Centre will see how the separatist leaders respond to the feelers sent by some representatives of the Mufti government.

Sources said there is a possibility that the initial talks may be held by the state government first before the Centre gets into the picture.