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| Political space 'squeezing' or 'serving' parties ? | | Unrest in parts of valley | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, July 8: The situation in Kashmir Valley is turning grim and grave by the day, with no let up in discontent and anger of protestors for reasons which are enveloped in layers of ambiguity. While the coalition government is 'fighting it out' by all possible means and measures, any 'constructive role' of political parties in this hour of crisis is conspicuous by its absence, with almost all leaders , including those from the ruling dispensation sticking to rhetoric condemnation and criticism of handling the situation. Has the political space under present circumstances truly squeezed for parties or the parties have squeezed themselves in one corner as mere 'spectators' to the situation ?
Against the backdrop of sudden spurt in fresh wave of violent clashes, the role of mainstream political parties is genuinely so being questioned from right thinking quarters. Where are they and what the stalwarts of these political parties who avowed to work in direction of bringing lasting peace during the elections two years back , have made themselves conspicuous by maintaining what can be seen as 'deliberate' silence and distancing from the angry protestors over ground. In the name of any constructive role, there are only accusations and counter accusations for failure to restore order. The fact remains no party, not even a single leader in Kashmir have come forth to help calm down the situation in a positive manner. The role has been confined to only making statements day in and day out on the situation.
The present turmoil has indeed pushed political parties and their routine activities once again to the backburner. For over a month, their normal activities have been disrupted. There has been no public meeting, not to speak of a well attended political rally in recent past organized by any party in Kashmir. In fact the sudden turn of events have paralysed the political calendar and schedule of parties across the state, the top leadership being engaged in 'wait and watch' role. While those in opposition are expecting something 'unexpected' to happen, the parties and the rank and file of those in ruling dispensation seem to be in paralysed state.
In the present situation when the coalition government is busy in devising any 'control mechanism' for the worsening scenario on ground, one surely can't expect the parties in opposition like the rivals PDP(of ruling NC) and BJP (of Congress) to sympathize with the government not to speak of cooperating on help restore normalcy and peace in the troubled areas. Both the parties are in fact resorting to bashing and severe criticism attributing every failure of control mechanism to what they term as 'inefficiency of the government'. So far so good, as that is what politics is all about and the opposition is meant for.
While PDP leadership in Srinagar and BJP in Jammu is keeping itself regularly engaged in giving statements on every development changing fast, through their well written and selectively chosen phraseology that suits their political ideologies at respective places, other veterans in smaller parties too make 'special appearances' by making occasional statements on changing situation. This for sure is partly for their survival in political constituencies and partly to show existence even as in reality they are hibernating. Those in ruling parties -NC and Congress are grappling with the situation, perplexed with what is happening, though some muster courage to utter few words on grim situation. Interestingly, these voices, even if feeble in content, are emanating from Congress , that too from one or two leaders based in Kashmir. The political leadership, barring a few articulate ones, within NC have significantly chosen to remain 'mum and silent' in present situation.
The analysts look at this strategy of political parties and politicians in general as 'forethought prudence' wherein they are watchful of every minute detail but at the same time adopting 'deliberate and convenient mode of distance' as mere spectators to deteriorating situation. "Our role has been squeezed……we cannot do anything at this critical juncture …..it is the government that has to tackle everything on ground", said a seasoned valley based politician wishing anonymity. It goes without saying that prevailing conditions have also pushed to the wall normal and routine activities of all the parties, which in the normal course would be seen keeping them 'constructively' engaged. "No party has lately organized any public meeting or a convention, not to speak of a huge rally with participation of huge number of supporters", said a leader of the Congress party.
The fresh turmoil in parts of Kashmir have certainly affected the normal political activities of the parties but the moot question remains whether they are actually affected and worried about the same or wishing the things to continue in present form……..? What matters most and is favorable at least to those outside ruling dispensation is any body's guess….!
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