The violence, demonstrations, and heckling that erupted in Kashmir on Eid (22 August), put to test the newly-appointed Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik, even before he took on his extremely challenging role.
Malik brings to this role, years of political experience in Uttar Pradesh and on the national stage. He is known for his affability, and outreach across the political spectrum. Malik is well-read and articulate, engaging readily even with his political opponents. Those who have known Satya Pal Malik as a politician, say that he is likely to take a soft approach in J&K. Since Satya Pal Malik has been associated with various political parties, he already has links across the political spectrum. Even before assuming office, Malik made a statement praising (late) former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. This seemed to be a calculated move to put the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at ease. Malik has worked closely with Sayeed. He was Minister of State for Civil Aviation when Sayeed was the Home Minister of India. Both joined the Jan Morcha of VP Singh when it was formed in 1988 in the wake of the Bofors scandal, and both were then part of the Janata Party.
Now winning the confidence of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and addressing the issues concerning regional imbalances is the top priority for Satya Pal Malik, the first politician appointed as the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir since the beginning of insurgency.
