How important is Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Kashmir?
It’s important because he is visiting Kashmir for the first time. His meeting with General Pervez Musharraf in New York was received well in the Valley.Ahead of PM’s visit, militants kill six people in J&K Also, the announcement of reduction of troops in Kashmir is a positive step. In view of it, Kashmiris will wait for him. People will wait to hear his speech. Whatever negative signals Kashmiris send, they always give attention to the speeches by leaders from New Delhi. They want to normalise the security situation. They want relief. For political leaders visiting Kashmir, how you say it is as important as what you say. Kashmiris are feeling hopeless and their hopelessness has turned into cynicism. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh can make a difference in the situation. What about Home Minister Shivraj Patil’s remarks that Pakistan is not allowing the Hurriyat to talk to the Centre? The communication gap increases when a change of government takes place. Once the rapport is established a
