By and large, the initial response from the political parties is mixed. While the separatist leader Geelani has publicly criticized it as an” eyewash” sticking to his demand for withdrawal of troops from the state and release of political prisoners the moderates are mum. In occupied Kashmir, the pro liberation leaders and parties have rejected the package. The BJP has criticised it as Kashmir centric and anti Jammu and Ladakh while claiming it would support all steps, which are 'anti-separatists and pro-citizens'. The Congress, on the other hand, has welcomed it calling it a holistic and a well-thought out package and hoped the people of Jammu and Kashmir will reciprocate it. The CPI (M) also has welcomed the government's initiative and wanted the Unified Command in the state to positively consider a review of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The PDP too has described as a good first step.

This time the eight- point package had been announced after the all -party delegation visited the riot torn valley and met people from various walks of life including the separatists. The new formula has taken into account the inputs from the delegation to make it an inclusive package. The centre has sent a signal that it wants a buffer between the centre and the state and secondly removal of chief minister Omar Abdullah is not a solution now. One would assume that it is because of the support of Rahul Gandhi that Omar is saved.

What does the package mean to the valley? On the plus side, schools and colleges in the valley finally reopened on September 27 after three months following the announcement of the package. While some private schools like the Delhi Public School have decided not to reopen, others have complied. Significantly, the order coincides with Hurriyat hardliner Geelani's call for a complete shutdown on Monday

The announcement of Rs 100 crore of central grant to rebuild infrastructure for schools and colleges including classrooms, libraries, playgrounds etc is also welcomed. But before that the children need normalcy and security.

The package also signals that the centre and the state would address the concerns of the youth who are agitating for more jobs and adopt a healing touch attitude towards the youth. For instance the decision to release those youngsters who had been arrested for stone pelting is a good try to win over the youth. It is imperative to wean away the youth from the path of violence and there should be more efforts to do so.

The proposal for appointment of interlocutors to hold dialogue with all sections of the society may be worth a try. The government should make sure that the new interlocutors are acceptable to all. Various Prime Ministers from Narasimha Rao to Manmohan Singh have made efforts in the past two decades for bringing peace but they had only left behind a trail of cynicism and betrayed hopes. The real issue is the dialogue. With whom will the interlocutors discuss the issues? It needs two hands to clap and the success of the interlocutors lies in their efforts to bring the separatists to the negotiating table. Dr Singh held two round table conferences with the key separatist leaders but the problem continues. So far the separatists' rigid position on “Azadi” is not very encouraging. It is understandable that the separatists are not willing to come to the table because they feel they are strong at this point of time. Unless the government makes efforts to weaken them they will not be ready for dialogue. Simultaneously, the political class should also make efforts to connect with the people. Unless they move around freely confidence of the people will not be won.

As for the Centre's relief money of Rs five lakhs to each of the victims who had died in clashes, the response from valley is lukewarm with three of them already declining to accept it. The withdrawal of public safety act detainees and withdrawal of detention cases could also meet some response.

The people of Jammu and Ladakh feel that setting up a task force for these two regions will not meet their demand. Already the state finance commission is doing this job and one more task force would only result in multiplicity of authorities.

The proposed meeting of the Unified Command Meet to review of provisions of Disturbed Area Act is also significant. There would be de-scaling of barricades and checkpoints to ease movement of civilians in public areas. Significantly, the notification of areas as 'disturbed' will be reviewed which could pave the way for non-application of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to certain parts which will cease to be treated as disturbed.

The package, if implemented may address some concerns of the people but nothing will succeed unless the governance deficit and the trust deficit as noted by the Cabinet committee on security observed is bridged. The chief minister should reach out to all section to instill confidence in his government. He should also change his style of functioning and be accessible. Any amount of packages will not help if there is no governance.

Cynical Kashmir watchers wonder what has happened to the various packages announced by the successive prime Ministers all these years. They also wonder what has happened to the crores of rupees announced by the centre at periodic intervals for the riot torn state. Going by the discontent in the valley, obviously, the money has not reached the intended beneficiaries. There should be no surprise if the Kashmiris take this as one more such formula. It is for the political class to win over the confidence of the people. (IPA Service)