The Secrecy Factor In The TTP-Govt Talks A meeting about meetings: The prime minister has promised a negotiated end to violence and the government officials have held a meeting to restart talks with the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). But they have not intimated the public what decisions have been taken vis-à-vis negotiations. That a secret meeting at an undisclosed place will be held on 25 March has been filtered. Although the agenda of the meeting is foremost in the minds of the people, they will not be enlightened about it. Nor will they know the outcome of the TTP-government negotiations. TTP’s agenda: What are the motives and intentions of the violent insurgent group? The outfit has explicitly announced that it wants to overthrow the state and the democratic system which it regards anti-Islam. Its stated agenda is in conflict with the democratic polity, human rights and the peaceful teachings which the final Prophet preached. TTP’s demands: We can well anticipate what demands the TTP will put forward in the upcoming face-to-face meeting. Obviously, at the top of its wish list will be the release of its prisoners and the domination over North Waziristan. Most likely, the much-touted imposition of Shariah will give way to the pursuit of temporal power. Government’s strategy: After shrouding the dialogue process in mystery, the civilian government may be tempted to make unreasonable concessions. It seems the regime will try to stretch out the direct talks with the TTP leadership as far as possible. Like its predecessor, the PML-N led administration, too, will strive to stave off hard decisions. As for the banned outfit, it will be amenable to an elongated talks process if the exercise can ward off a full-scale military operation. How the government should proceed: Indeed, the intentions of the murderous TTP are not noble. The government has proclaimed it will shroud the affair in secrecy. The analysts opine that, before going behind closed doors for direct talks, the government should publicly and forthrightly reiterate that the negotiations will be held within the confines of the constitution. Also, the government-appointed negotiators should keep the opposition abreast of any developments. Both the moves will enable the government not to stoop so low as to win the hearts and minds of the TTP.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 15:53:36 +0000
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