PM Narendra Modi expressed deep concern on Monday over weeks-long deadly violence in Jammu and Kashmir, saying there was a need for a permanent solution to the region’s troubles. And in continuation of this thought, the union government made its stand clear that there will not be any talks with separatists or those raising slogans of “Azadi” in Jammu and Kashmir. On Friday, The Centre informed the Supreme Court that a dialogue to restore normalcy was possible only with the legally recognized political parties who will be the representative of Jammu and Kashmir.
The SC asked the state’s High Court’s Bar Association in Srinagar to come up with all the suggestions to resolve the violent situation, which includes stone-throwing and violent street agitation. It told the association to take the “first steps” of bringing all legally acceptable representatives on the table for workable suggestions to overcome the crisis.
The Supreme Court’s observation came after the Attorney General Mr. Mukul Rohatgi said “The govt. will come to the negotiation bench only if the legally recognized stakeholders participate in the meet and not with the separatist elements who rake up the issue of accession (Azadi) in Jammu and Kashmir.” The Supreme Court (SC), which was in complete agreement with the view of Mukul Rohatgi said, “Only those representatives, whom the law does not prevent, can meet, and come out with suggestions, as the situation is not very devastating”.
Mr. Rohatgi’s statement came during the hearing of the petition filed by the state High Court Bar Association in Srinagar of J and K challenging the High Court’s verdict rejecting their demand for the pellet gun ban in the Valley. The Bar association wanted to meet and talk with Hurriyat leaders without the condition of these falling within the Constitution framework. The association said, “If you throw stones, close schools, how will talks happen in the state?” while seeking steps to deal with violent agitators. On Friday, they again requested the association to suggest a route map for dialogue and peace.
The SC also took exception to the stand of the said association, which said that it cannot confirm for all stakeholders and can only speak on behalf of the lawyers. The high court told the bar association that “you cannot take such a stand when you have come to the Supreme Court”.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Mr. JS Khehar made it clear that the next step will come only if the bar association comes out with logical suggestions and posted the matter for further hearing on 9th May. The Attorney General Mr. Rohatgi objected to the stand taken by the Kashmir state High Court Bar Association for involving separatist elements in talks and the Justices DY Chandrachud and SK Kaul, was persuading the lawyer’s association to ensure that there should not be any stone pelting or any street agitation in the state.
