Why is Pawan Khera Criticizing BJP Over J&K Peace Talks?
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Synopsis
In a heated exchange, Congress's Pawan Khera challenges BJP's hypocrisy regarding Kashmir peace initiatives. While condemning Dr. Manmohan Singh's efforts, Khera highlights the BJP's past connections with separatist Yasin Malik. This article delves into the historical context and current political dynamics surrounding Kashmir.
Key Takeaways
- Pawan Khera challenges BJP on Kashmir peace talks.
- Historical context is crucial in understanding current criticisms.
- BJP's past interactions with separatists raise questions of integrity.
- Dialogue and engagement have been key policies from past administrations.
- Understanding Yasin Malik's role is vital to the Kashmir discourse.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the BJP on Friday for condemning peace efforts in Kashmir initiated by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, while conveniently ignoring the Atal Behari Vajpayee government's similar dealings with separatist leader Yasin Malik. In response to BJP's critiques of the UPA's national security approach and back-channel negotiations involving Malik, Khera shared an image of Vajpayee with Kashmiri separatist figures on X, labeling the uproar over Malik's recent controversial assertions regarding peace talks as a “Toolkit to distract from #VoteChori exposed.”
Khera questioned whether it was accurate that during Vajpayee's tenure, Malik was facilitated to communicate with a leading industrialist through an intermediary.
The Congress leader stated, “From Vajpayee Ji to Manmohan Singh Ji, when the state policy prioritized dialogue and engagement, both governments interacted with various stakeholders.”
“If Dr. Singh's politeness is under scrutiny, then perhaps the BJP should clarify Vajpayee Ji's friendly interactions with Hurriyat leaders or Advani Ji's significant visit to Jinnah's grave in Karachi. Otherwise, we would all prefer to enjoy his silence for a change,” remarked Khera, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Department of the All India Congress Committee.
Khera further inquired: “Why was the RSS meeting Yasin Malik in 2011? The BJP was not in power then. Why was the BJP-RSS-affiliated think-tank, Vivekananda Foundation, engaging with Yasin Malik?”
He added, “Instead of pretending to be outraged by Dr. Singh's courtesy, the BJP should reflect on historical events. In May 2007, Yasin Malik was gearing up for his Safar-e-Azadi (March for Freedom). He was detained on May 4 and began an indefinite hunger strike demanding to proceed. It was Atal Bihari Vajpayee who intervened with the UPA government to ensure the March could go ahead.”
Earlier in the day, BJP leader Amit Malviya, overseeing the party's IT cell, stated on X, “Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) terrorist Yasin Malik, currently serving a life sentence in a terror-funding case, has made a staggering claim. In an affidavit submitted to the Delhi High Court on August 25, Malik asserts he met Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan in 2006. This meeting was not an initiative of his own but was organized at the behest of senior Indian intelligence officials as part of a back-channel peace effort.”
Point of View
Khera's assertions highlight the complexities of political discourse in India. The focus should remain on constructive dialogue and understanding historical contexts rather than engaging in selective outrage. This approach fosters a more comprehensive understanding of national security issues.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pawan Khera say about BJP's criticism?
Pawan Khera accused BJP of hypocrisy for condemning Dr. Manmohan Singh's peace efforts while ignoring their own past interactions with Yasin Malik.
Who is Yasin Malik?
Yasin Malik is a separatist leader and the chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), currently serving a life sentence for terror-related charges.
What was Vajpayee's role in Kashmir peace talks?
Atal Bihari Vajpayee engaged in back-channel diplomacy with various stakeholders, including separatists, to foster peace in Kashmir.
Why was Malik's recent claim significant?
Malik's claim about meeting Hafiz Saeed underlined the intricate connections between politics, separatism, and national security.
How does this controversy affect current politics?
This debate emphasizes the ongoing challenges in addressing Kashmir's political landscape and the necessity for transparent dialogue.
