Policy Shift on Kashmir

In what can be described  as a major shift in its Kashmir policy, the Narendra Modi government has said that the Hurriyat Conference (separatist) leaders are free to meet the representatives of any country in India.

Pertinently, the  Indian government had earlier cancelled the Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan when the Pakistan’s High Commissioner, Abdul Basit, met Kashmiri separatist leaders.

At national level, Narendra Modi government’s approach towards Pakistan in ensuring better ties has invited sharp criticism from opposition parties in the country but praise from the world leaders.

Experts are it as a major  shift in its ‘Pakistan Policy’, of the government which has now decided to ‘compromise’ on its ‘most controversial’ point on Islamabad holding meetings with Hurriyat leaders.

In kashmir it has been widely welcomed, PDP Senior Leader and Spokesperson Rafi Ahmad Mir has said that PDP warmly welcomes the initiative taken by union government to allow Hurriyat to hold talks with Pakistan. Mir said that “we laud this confidence building measure by the government after sincere efforts of PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, this step will be a defining moment in the Indo-Pak relations.

Former Chief Minister and Senior Leader of National Conference Omer Abdullah has welcomed the government decision to allow Hurriyat leaders to meet Pakistani leadership.