After the Kargil conflict, the first signs that the Indian government was prepared to have discussions with militant organisations came when it responded in the positive to an offer by the largest terrorist organisation in the state, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), for talks. On July 24, the HM announced unilateral ceasefire. Deputy Supreme Commander (HM) Abdul Majid Dar pitched for peace by offering a three-month unconditional ceasefire.
The Government came out strongly in favour of a dialogue and was offered tacit support by the opposition parties.
On July 28, the BJP government asked the HM cadre to discuss how the ceasefire would be implemented. With the Union Home Ministry contacting the militants, the HM named Faizal Quereshi as the mediator.
However, several other militant organisations did not endorse the talks and the All Party Hurriyant Conference, too, was not in favour of any dialogue. On the night of August 1,
groups opposing the peace process slaughtered 30 pilgrims who were on their way to Amarnath, a Hindu holy site.
Despite the killings and the resulting outcry, for the first time since millitancy started, more than a decade ago,
the militants and officials met face to face at the Nehru guest house. The HM put forward a 12-point charter of demands, which included revocation of the disturbed area act, release of detainees, removal of bunkers, end to custodial killings and the resumption of normal political activity. However, on the same day the meeting took place, Syed Salauddin, the supreme commander of HM, said that the talks would have to be tripartite and involve Pakistan.
A fresh deadline of Aug 8 for New Delhi to respond was issued failing which ceasefire would be withdrawn. The Indian Government refused to let Pakistan be a party to the talks and on Aug 9
the ceasefire was called off , whereupon the HM
sparked off a series off bomb blasts and explosions across the valley and for the first time media persons were targetted to ensure publicity.
A photographer of a leading national daily lost his life in one of the blasts.