New Kashmir Outreach? Ram Madhav, Ministers Brainstorm With Civil Society

Mangalore Today News Network

 New Delhi Aug 07, 2016 : Is the Narendra Modi government is exploring the contours of a new Kashmir outreach as the unrest in valley shows no sign of abating even a month after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani? A special "Young Thinkers’ Meet" organised by the BJP’s national general secretary Ram Madhav in Jammu’s Patnitop has led to speculation of an unofficial track-two initiative.

 

 

The special conclave, led by Mr Madhav, will bring together the members of the civil society, and some ministers. Sources say this is one way of bringing together like-minded people to discuss the best way forward with the stalled dialogue process and reaching out to the separatists.

The conclave being held under the banner of non-profit India Foundation is being held in presence of the members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological mentor of the BJP.

It is being attended by around 80 intellectuals and members of the civil society and some senior ministers. Besides, Shaurya Doval, the son of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, is also present at the conclave.

While the meet is not an official initiative of the government, the presence of Ram Madhav - who is associated with the non-profit is crucial.

The senior BJP leader, along with the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of the PDP, was the author of the agenda of alliance agreement between the state’s ruling alliance. The agreement commits to talks with Pakistan and sustained dialogue with all stakeholders, including the Hurriyat Conference.

Over a month of continuous protests and clashes, more than 50 people in the Valley have died and over 3,000 have been injured.

Normal life remains hampered as curfew remains in place and mobile internet is shut. The separatists have enforced their own bandh, and there have been reports of terrorist leaders attending several rallies in the state.