The prime minister’s decision to invite the Hurriyat for talks, and the Hurriyat’s decision to accept the invitation are welcome developments. Although the PM’s main intention is to listen to the Hurriyat, he can go into the talks with confidence in India’s position. After years, a robust if contentious democratic process has been institutionalised inside Kashmir. Improving India-Pakistan relations have made the Valley less tense, and the limited opening up of cross border bus services has made Kashmir look less under siege. Terrorism still remains a challenge, but its political base is dwindling. The PM’s aim will now be to capitalise on these positive developments and persuade the Hurriyat to join the political process. India has to consistently stick to its stand that in a democracy there is no greater test of legitimacy than facing an electorate, and it is about time that the Hurriyat acknowledged. For its part, the Hurriyat has been undergoing an identity crisis. It feared being rendered irrelevant for two reasons. It is not clear what the place of the Hurriyat is going to be in the ongoing talks between India and Pakistan. And with properly conducted elections, with good turn-out rates, its own credentials to represent the Kashmiris were seriously being questioned. The Hurriyat has also therefore been looking for a way to re-position itself with honour. The Hurriyat should give the PM credit, for acceding to their demand that they will meet with the government only at the highest level. The Indian state is treating them with honour, and the Hurriyat will have to ensure that it does not overplay its hand. It should use this opportunity to express its legitimate grievances. But it must also agree to become part of the regular political process.The government will recognise that for any Hurriyat leader to appear to compromise with the government entails great personal and political risks. Nobody therefore expects dramatic gestures. But a willingness to slowly but surely participate in the political process and marginalise terrorists will be in everyone’s interests.
