Importance of the Convention

00000000 .75 Importance of the Convention

Let me now turn to the present occasion. First of all, it seems to me that this Convention is of the most critical significance. It is, I believe, for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir that such a move has been made. Its success might well mean the dawn of a new and brighter day, not only for the people of this State but also of the whole country. Its failure, on the other hand, might dash, if not for all time, at least for the foreseeable future, all hopes of seeing the political and psychological tensions, the uncertainties and fears that have plagued this State for the past many years, particularly since 1953. I hope, therefore, that the participants in this Convention will be mindful of the very serious responsibility they have accepted. Their task calls for a constructive approach, and a determination not to permit their deliberations to end in indecision or failure. I hope you will face this crucial task with humility of spirit, a preparedness to understand one another, and a realistic appreciation of the limitations that circumstances have imposed upon all those seeking a satisfactory answer to this vexed question.

In view of the exceptional importance of this Convention, it is a matter of deep disappointment that the State Congress and Jan Sangh have refused to take part in it. No doubt they have reasons for their refusal-and I do not wish to minimise them-but it is never constructive and certainly not in keeping with the spirit of democracy to refuse to talk to those with whom one is in disagreement-even complete disagreement. I have faith in human reason; and I believe that given the democratic spirit of give and take, there is no tangle that human reason cannot straighten out. The problems of the State are in such a state of confusion and complexity, and most of the leaders in the rest of the country are so casual in dealing with them and so self-satisfied with mounting shibboleths, that a Convention of leaders representing different points of view in the State to hammer out a general consensus amongst themselves on the future of the State is manifestly a step in the right direction. The views that have been expressed in public statements by the State Congress and Jan Sangh leaders-and they are no doubt important views-could have been expressed in this Convention to facilitate the emergence of such a consensus. It seems to me, therefore, that a great opportunity for a political understanding in the State has been thrown away. However, as the London Economist said in a recent issue 'what matters about congresses and conferences is not only who goes into them, but what comes out of this Convention will really mark the beginning of a new development that will bring peace and happiness where uncertainty and trouble have reigned for many years.