•Vandita Mishra: In the context of Jammu, what do you make of the fact that for the first time the Congress is reaching out to the BJP and other parties on an issue of national importance?

Madan Das Devi: First, I would like to say that this is not a political agitation. It is a public agitation in Jammu. Everyone has supported the bandh. Also, most of the MLAs in the Jammu region are from the Congress. But it is the involvement of the people that has brought the administration to the negotiating table.

•Vandita Mishra: Don’t you see this as a larger process of dialogue between the two major political parties?

Madan Das Devi: Why not? We can’t grow further apart than this.

•Coomi Kapoor: Do you think the all-party committee can help resolve the impasse in Jammu?

Madan Das Devi: It is the responsibility of all to look after the security of Jammu & Kashmir. We have to try and solve this problem amicably.

•J P Yadav: The PM has said that the way the issue is developing in Jammu, it will only help India’s enemies.

Madan Das Devi: The situation has been created by the enemies of India — the Hurriyat Conference with the support of people across the border. The PDP has joined hands with them to bring down the Government.

•J P Yadav: The RSS and the BJP have been accused of stoking the anger of the people of Jammu.

... contd.