1. Internal Situation
The Kashmir Committee (KC), led by Ram Jethmalani, has suggested deferment of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The Election Commission has, however, issued notification ordering polls in J&K from September 16. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is also opposed to deferring the Assembly elections. The BJP has decided to contest the J&K in alliance with the Jammu State Morcha (JSM), a newly created RSS front that brings together 19 organizations. Kashmir's largest militant group, Hizbul Mujahideen, has endorsed the All Parties Hurriyat Conference's (APHC) decision to boycott the elections.
"Kashmir Committee for deferring elections"
"J&K polls will not be postponed, says Advani"
"BJP to ally with RSS front in J&K"
"Hizb backs APHC stand on election"
In an interview with the Daily Times, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Chairman APHC, stated, among other things, that "Pakistan supports the cause of the people's right to self-determination. It is India which denies this inalienable right of ours."
"Kashmir is the cause of South Asia's nuclearisation..."
Prem Shankar Jha (Hindustan times) argues that "Delhi has succeeded in turning the coming elections into a one-horse race." Muchkund Dubey (Hindu) argues that the "core of a [India's] Kashmir policy has to be the offer of the fullest possible autonomy to the people... It is the only modern, democratic and secular option available." Kanti Bajpai (Indian Express) believes that "good elections in Kashmir depend largely on .. [Musharraf's] willingness to allow Kashmiris to contest the polls and to vote. Good elections in Pakistan depend even more on him. Failure in both cases will also be his responsibility."
"Farce sighted"
"Needed: a Kashmir policy - I"
"Needed: a Kashmir policy - II"
"Two elections, tied together"
Political violence continues in J&K.
"18 killed in Kashmir"