Central Rule in J&K not hard line: Vohra

Responding to a specific question of how young men can be prevented from choosing the path of violence – an increasing problem since the killing of militant poster-boy Burhan Wani in 2016 – the governor said he would be working through parents, teachers and civil society to reach out to young people. “Every possible effort shall be made to regain the confidence of the youth. We have already sought the support of the political organisations and they have offered strong support,’’ he said.

Asked if the state had lost ground to the militants during the 30- day period wherein the government had announced a cessation of hostilities, Vohra backed the suspension of operations and the continuation of peace moves.

“The suspension of anti-terror operations was a gesture harmonising with the traditional spirit of piety and harmony relating to the holy month of Ramzan”.

The current spell of Governor’s rule is far more challenging than the preceding ones, particularly due to the fact that two ideologically-opposed parties came together to form a government. Both the BJP and the PDP are now trading charges, adding to the divide between Hindu-majority Jammu and the wounded Valley. While BJP president Amit Shah accused Mehbooba Mufti of neglecting Jammu and Ladakh, Mufti hit back, saying the BJP was disowning its own initiative and calling it a ‘soft approach.’

Vohra now has the unenviable job of restoring peace.

“Every possible initiative will be taken to foster a peaceful environment,’’ he said. decision is any way unreasonable, irrational or perverse.”

Justice Sundar, in his 135-page order, struck a dissenting note, insisting that Dhanapal’s order “deserved to be set aside on grounds of perversity, non-compliance with principles of natural justice, mala fides and violation of the constitutional mandate”.

The chief justice said status quo would continue till the third judge delivered the verdict on the petitions.