What level of normalcy has been achieved in the Valley?
The situation is considerably better than what it used to be. Unfortunately, in the last three months, there has been an increase in Pakistani infiltration. The recent firings on the LOC mean that the Pakistan army does not want peace. Also, these firings help in infiltration. Besides, Pakistan wants to tell the world that things are tense and that there could be war some day. And though militancy has come down, a few incidents are enough to spread fear. Pakistan wants militancy to continue in the Valley.
But there has been a change in the attitude of the people.
It is very visible. There is a feeling that better days are coming. But it is important for us in the government to deliver some of the things we promised to the people. It is not enough to sit back and say that elections are over and now everything is fine. People want development. They want the infrastructure that has been burnt revived.
There seems to be a significant shift in the US policy towards J&K, as was evident during I.K. Gujral's recent visit to the US. Will this have any positive impact in the Valley?
I don't know why you all are so excited about Bill Clinton saying that the US will not interfere in India's negotiations with Pakistan. In any case, India would never allow a third party to enter into the mediations. I would like to warn India that America has always seen Kashmir as a disputed territory. I don't think this US policy will change. So let us not go to town about the meeting between the prime minister and the US President. Yes, we have always had a dicey relationship with the US and in that sense the talks were good. But I would like Clinton to come to Kashmir when he visits India and hear what we have to say about the situation.
How far has tourism picked up?
I won't say it has been revived completely. We have to provide infrastructure if tourism has to be revived. Hotels have to be built. Houseboats repaired. Taxis and buses introduced. It will take at least a couple of years.
What about the return of the Pandits?
It is for them to come back. I think we should not push things. The confidence must come from within. You can't use force to bring them back.
And the jobs you had promised?
Unemployment will be there for some time. The government cannot employ everyone. That is why we want tourism to pick up and the private sector to come in. And we are trying to bring business into the state.
