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The
immediate disbanding of the anti terror group had come in for flake
from the parties like BJP who accused the Mufti of weakening the
counter insurgency grid in J&K by choosing politics over
security considerations. It was not long before the security groups
stated feeling the pinch of SOG absence. This led the Centre to take
up the matter of its revival in some form or the other with the
State Government. The issue was also taken up Dy Prime Minister
Advani during his one to one meeting with Mufti.
Even
Mufti has been advised to find a way to bring back the SOG albeit
with a different badge and that would essentially be a face-saver
for him against any accusations on going back on his poll promise.
The SOG - aware of local topography had been successful in chasing
and killing militants in encounters besides destroying their
hideouts. Instead of encouraging the force the Mufti Govt has
started investigating criminal charges against 53 personnel for
various acts of violation of human rights.
Of
late the security forces have warned that militancy is raising its
head again, after releasing the many militants under the Mufti’s
“healing touch” scheme. This time around Mufti is said to be
under pressure both from the Centre as well as from opposition
leaders of the State which is compelling him to retract from his
earlier stand and announce on the floor of the State Assembly that
“ healing touch” is conditional. Curiously, Mufti and his
daughter, Mehbooba, PDP President had been adamant on the
continuance of the much opposed pro people policy since the day they
formed the Govt in the State.
But
Mufti’s latest statement that “healing touch” is subject to
conditions gives rise to the speculations that he has ultimately
softened his stand and succumbed to Central pressure.
Notwithstanding the fact that Home and the Defence Ministry had been
thoroughly apprised by officials and General’s Commanding the
region about the revival of militancy due to States soft approach
towards terrorists and non-revival of the local wing of the state
police wing “SOG”.
Apart
from Central pressure on reviewing “healing touch” and revival
of “SOG” Mufti, it is alleged, is under pressure from his party
members and some allied partners who want him to review his
decision. Initially, Mufti was believed to have an understanding
with some separatist organisations that once he is voted to power he
will release all the imprisoned militants from jails. Surely, after
taking over as CM he got many militants released, but couldn’t
release all as he was expecting because of Central
intervention.
Now
before releasing a militant his case is to be wetted by a Screening
Committee which has a representative of the Central also. Eventually,
with the new development Mufti could not come up to the expectations
of separatist groups. The militant wings in turn started killing PDP
party supporters. Surprisingly, in the last few months the militants
gunned down many important leaders of the PDP and targeted the
Ministers as well who escaped unhurt.
Similarly,
advertisements are appearing in local vernacular dailies on behalf
of people informing that they have no connection with PDP nor they
are its supporters. In a startling advertisement notice published in
an Urdu daily by Ghulam Nabi Singh a prominent businessman,
neighbour and childhood friend of the Chief Minister informed the
general public that he is neither a supporter nor a sympathiser of
PDP. The advertisements of such nature inserted in newspapers
indicate that the PDP supporters fear reprisals from the militants
and as such are disassociating themselves from the ruling party.
Under these circumstances it is likely that Mufti would review his
“healing touch policy” and revive the disbanded “SOG” under
a different name.
Sushil
Vakil
-- Chief
Editorial Advisor (political Affairs), the Kashmir TELEGRAPH
-- is the
Editor-in-Chief, Weekly Kashur Gazette, New Delhi | 
