Rising Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 2: Admiral (Retd) L Ramdas, who accompanied the visiting team of Indian Civil Society, is of the view that people of Kashmir no longer want Pakistan but 'Azadi'.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Ramdas said, “We don’t like the phrase 'seperatists'.
They are the leaders with a view. We met a spectrum of these leaders. Though all of them have their views, but the basic underlying fact across the spectrum is that they want what they call Azadi.”
He said, “Even when we met Geelani, he did not mention the word Pakistan during the entire interview. So I think there is a visible change.This is really a golden opportunity.Templates are ready there with GoI, from where they can pick up and start talking."
Stating that systems and the people have changed in Kashmir, Ramdas replied that in Kashmir the youth are in charge and India needs to engage them, when asked if Inadi can break the bread with the Kashmiri youth.
On the perception in Kashmir that India is never serious, he said, “I can understand there is a feeling of helplessness. But I hope people there (India) are serious. If you want to lead, you need to lead by example. You can’t expect people to simply follow you.”
On the question of repealing AFSPA, Ramdas revealed that Centre is mulling to do away with this law.
“Now even Home Minister has given you an open charter to come forward for talks. I think you (Kashmiri leadership) should share their thoughts (over AFSPA) when you meet him. I think it is important to cash in on this offer and tell your point straight.”
During their stay in valley, Swami Agnivesh along with other members of the team, including Ramdas, Mohini Giri, Dominic Emmaneul, Mazhar Hussain, Nusrat Andrabi, Tasnim Akhtar and former chairman of Public Service Commission Mohammad Shafi Pandit, interacted with a cross-section of people, including separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. The group left for New Delhi Thursday morning.
