Hard Transition
The Hurriyat nominating the hawkish Muhammad Ashraf Sehari as chairperson to succeed separatist hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani is being viewed as a big development in Kashmir. Sehari’s first statement was against ISIS and Al Qaeda, saying such organisations have no role in the state. Though this is encouraging, his elevation is likely to harden the separatist stand on dialogue with the Centre. Many believe political engagement will see a setback as he is more hardline than even his mentor, Geelani. The difference: he doesn’t have the same stature, either within the Hurriyat or on the street, so the doves have an opening too.
The Worst Punishment
The members of the Rajya Sabha missed out on a delectable Andhra meal on account of bad behaviour. V-P and chairman of the Upper House Venkaiah Naidu had planned to host the elders along with the President, the PM, the leaders of the House and the Opposition and floor leaders of various parties for a dinner on March 21. He had...
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