Grassroots democracy is kicking and thriving in Jammu & Kashmir
have not been able to do a big kind of thing. The overall security situation is very good.
What is your reading on the mood in the street in Kashmir?
Definitely people are enthusiastic and optimistic. They are looking forward to seeing development and creation of jobs in their areas. They want to prosper and have a better life. That is what I sense after visiting almost all districts and meeting a cross-section of people.
Despite the release of detainees of mainstream parties, the political space in Kashmir remains in a freeze. What is the way forward to revive the stalled politics?
As there is President’s rule and the legislative assembly is dissolved, obviously there is some pause…some disruption. The parties’ activity as elected representatives is not there. But, it is not true that there is complete absence of political activity. At the grassroots level, democracy is thriving and kicking. We have empowered panchayats and municipal bodies in the real sense. Now, the Planning Commission’s funds are directly going to them. We have to further strengthen them. Of course, an elected legislature has to be there. That would happen at the appropriate time.
Why has the government not released all mainstream political leaders, including Mehbooba Mufti who have participated in elections, peaceful politics and committed themselves to the Indian Constitution?
All detentions are reviewed from time to time…now almost on weekly basis. The process looks into the circumstances under which people were detained. When the perception and situation changes, they are released. There is no discrimination.
There appears to be a huge trust deficit between Kashmir’s mainstream politicians and the Centre?
Well, I don’t sense that in my interactions with MPS, MLAS and MLCS. Though there is no elected legislature right now, but we take their suggestions. The public has a lot of trust and confidence in the government .That is why it expects a lot more from us.
Former chief minister Omar Abdullah has spoken of how he will not participate in elections till J&K remains a Union Territory. Your view?
This is his personal view and I won’t be able to comment. All I can say is that this UT has a legislature, unlike Ladakh, and will have an elected government. The view that only this (Article 370) would ensure political participation is a bit far-fetched.
Both the Prime Minister and home minister have said J&K’S statehood would be restored. Is the government open to restoring statehood as a confidencebuilding step?
Confidence building is already going on at levels of grassroots and public participation. Whatever the PM and HM have said, they mean it. I don’t subscribe that only this (restoring statehood) will bring confidence. Even a UT with a legislature can have confidence of the people.
When will you be able to hold the assembly elections?
Right now we are addressing deficiencies in development works to see that people’s worries and woes are minimised and that they are empowered. On elections, a decision will come at an appropriate time.
While the government spoke of how Kashmiris — after the constitutional changes — will enjoy the same rights as other Indians, there is a view that people in J&K actually now enjoy fewer rights, with restrictions on political activity, How has the coronavirus crisis impacted your plans?
Our biggest recruitment drive for 10,000 jobs which was to happen in Marchapril has slowed down for the time being. Another 20,000 jobs are lined up. The infra projects have been hit in a substantive way as most labourers and contractors are outsiders and they moved out after the virus outbreak. Also, elections to the remaining panchayats have been delayed.
The public has a lot of trust and confidence in the government . I can sense that in my interactions with MPS, MLAS and MLCS. That is why the people expect a lot more from us.
You have been a bureaucrat and bring in a set of administrative skills. But do you think Kashmir is an issue that requires political outreach and has this happened?
Well, I am giving my 100% to development and public outreach. I will try to strengthen the political institutions at every level and not leave any stone unturned to do what I am supposed to do.