‘My mandate is clear: Win hearts through dialogue’
Satya Pal Malik, 72, the first career politician in five decades to hold the governor’s post in Jammu & Kashmir, says his mandate is clear: “Win hearts through dialogue”. In a phone interview with
Malik spoke on several contentious issues confronting Kashmir, which has been under Governor’s Rule since June, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pulled out of the coalition government with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), prompting chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to resign. Malik, who replaced NN Vohra, says he has accepted his challenging responsibility with ‘himmat’ (grit) and determination. Excerpts:
I have three advisers and they have been directed to visit one district every week to have an interface with the people. We have to heal wounds, resolve issues and use funds constructively for public welfare.
Aron, Sunita
only empower them, as they will get both power and funds, I am sure they will participate in large numbers. The funds will flow to them via their elected sarpanch. involved and I think decisions on such issues could be best deferred. It won’t be proper for me to comment on them or share my opinion without studying the issue thoroughly. an interface with the people. We have to heal wounds, resolve issues and use funds constructively for public welfare. We have also decided to construct residential quarters for the police and increase their financial compensation in case of death.
Yes, I will start my tour with Srinagar and then move to Ladakh and Jammu. Each region has its own demands. We must listen to the people and find solutions as far as possible. Today (Thursday), I am going to visit the Dal Lake, inspect it from three points as we have decided to launch a ‘Clean Dal Lake campaign’. softening attitudes. Such an idea has not come before me till now, but I am open to every suggestion if it is in the interest of the people of Kashmir. Let me find out more about it. In any way, I will informally consult all on every issue. (He recalls) Once, Mahatma Gandhi had gone to meet (Muhammad Ali) Jinnah, who kept him waiting for a full 40 minutes. When people asked him about it, Gandhi said ‘anything for the country.’ Similarly, I can approach anybody and vice versa. If they cannot come to meet me, I can go and visit them at their home; anything for the betterment of Kashmir. I don’t believe in protocol. We have to remove it from minds, encourage youth to play a constructive role and build a climate for the same. We will come out with plans soon. Go and win their hearts and confidence, restore normalcy. He believes in dialogue and not bullets.
Yes they are, and I have come here with determination and ‘himmat’.
I had last come here ...to pay condolences after the death of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 2016. We could hear the sounds of gun shots at the airport. Prior to that, I had visited the state in 1988. The place was so beautiful. Life was normal.