Involve all stakeholders in talks: Top court on Kashmir
SC steps in to offer some advice to the Centre
Taking a strong view on the ongoing crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the J&K Bar Association to mediate and bring the government and all stakeholders to the talks table. The apex court is all too eager to end the spiralling cycle of violence in the Valley and has advised all parties to end the strife through discussions.
The lawyers’ association from Kashmir had moved a petition in the court to stop the use of pellet guns by the security forces that has already killed and maimed scores of people. The lawyers also wanted the government to open talks with the Hurriyat Conference without any pre-conditions, but within the framework of the Constitution. The J&K High Court had on September 22 rejected the bar association’s plea seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns.
The Bench of Chief Justice J.S. Khehar and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and S.K. Kaul asked the lawyers to play a responsible role so that a climate to hold talks can be established. The Centre had earlier refused any discussions with separatists or those who talk of “aazadi”. The apex court on Friday even asked the petitioner to get names of people who can hold talks with the Centre and posted further hearing on the matter on May 9.
The Supreme Court also offered to direct the security forces to stop using pellet guns for two weeks, but only if the association gives a written assurance that there will be no stone-pelting on the security forces. “How will peace be restored if people throw stones,” the court asked.
Stating that the situation in Kashmir was not very palatable, the court said both the parties have to take a joint step but the first step had to come from the lawyers’ body. Chief Justice Singh said the court would involve itself in the matter only if there was a view that it could play a role and there was no jurisdictional issue.
When the court insisted on discussions, Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi said on behalf of the Centre that it would talk to only those persons who are legally permitted to conduct dialogue on behalf of the people.