Saffron Ambivalence
Outlook|October 16, 2017

RSS throws cold water on Centre’s overtures to Kashmiris. Not all are amused.

Naseer Ganai
Saffron Ambivalence

When Sartaj Madani speaks politics, fellow netas, admi­nistrators and people take special notice. For, it’s only rarely that the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) interacts with the media. What’s more, his words are lapped up as the views of the government—to be precise, those of chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, his niece. Sartaj is considered as the main power centre in the PDP.

So, when he, as the vice-president of the ruling PDP, issued a statement a fortnight ago, the press in Jammu and Kashmir as well as outside got a heads-up. “I welcome the unconditional offer of dialogue from Government of India on Kashmir and expect that the same should evoke a positive response from all those interested in ending the stalemate,” he said. The note came on September 22, a day after BJP general secretary Ram Madhav, who is in charge of the saffron party’s aff­airs in the state, said the Centre was willing for unconditional talks with who­soever on the Kashmir issue.

That elated Sartaj, 63, unusually. He said the J&K people have been the “worst sufferers of uncertainty and instability arising out of contentious issues and confrontation”. Tacitly asking the Hurri­yat Conference to grab the Madhav offer, he added, “Now is the time that reconciliatory gestures from New Delhi are not put to any doubt and all stakeholders extend a helping hand in restoring the process of dialogue for sustainable peace and conflict resolution.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OUTLOOKView all
Chhattisgarh's Remarkable Progress in Sustainable Development
Outlook

Chhattisgarh's Remarkable Progress in Sustainable Development

Chhattisgarh has emerged as a frontrunner in sustainable development for 2023-2024, achieving significant improvements in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) rankings.

time-read
1 min  |
January 01, 2025
Chhattisgarh Will Neither Halt Nor Pause
Outlook

Chhattisgarh Will Neither Halt Nor Pause

Chhattisgarh has received approval for four new railway projects while Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has sanctioned Rs 11,000 crore for development of major roads in the state

time-read
1 min  |
January 01, 2025
E-Office Revolutionises Governance in Chhattisgarh
Outlook

E-Office Revolutionises Governance in Chhattisgarh

An online e-office system is being developed for all departments and ministries so that complaints of corruption, file delays and irregularities can be addressed at the very outset

time-read
1 min  |
January 01, 2025
Empowering Youth for A Prosperous Future
Outlook

Empowering Youth for A Prosperous Future

Chief Minister Sai is committed to transforming Chhattisgarh into a developed state by 2047, with equal and abundant opportunities in healthcare, education, and livelihood at its core

time-read
1 min  |
January 01, 2025
Steps To Bring Industry, Business and Investors Together
Outlook

Steps To Bring Industry, Business and Investors Together

Vishnu Deo Sai Government's vision is driving industrial growth for a prosperous state

time-read
1 min  |
January 01, 2025
One Farmer, A Hundred Smiles
Outlook

One Farmer, A Hundred Smiles

The Sai government is steadfast in its mission to bring a smile to every farmer's face, prioritising both small and large farmers alike.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 01, 2025
Layers Of Lear
Outlook

Layers Of Lear

Director Rajat Kapoor and actor Vinay Pathak's ode to Shakespeare is an experience to behold

time-read
4 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Loss and Longing
Outlook

Loss and Longing

Memories can be painful, but they also make life more meaningful

time-read
6 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Suprabhatham Sub Judice
Outlook

Suprabhatham Sub Judice

M.S. Subbulakshmi decided the fate of her memorials a long time ago

time-read
8 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Fortress of Desire
Outlook

Fortress of Desire

A performance titled 'A Streetcart Named Desire', featuring Indian and international artists and performers, explored different desires through an unusual act on a full moon night at the Gwalior Fort

time-read
7 mins  |
December 21, 2024