Kashmir calls for peace at the death valley

The People of Kashmir remind the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of the foremost fake poll promise made in 2014 to 130 crores citizens of India that Kashmir imbroglio shall be resolved. The promise was not fulfilled but rather the situation has worsened in the past four years both in the Valley and along the Line of Control (LoC).

Now that 2019 Lok Sabha polls are approaching, the BJP would be seeking votes and if Kashmir is not salvaged from its worst-ever mess then Mr Modi’s image of a strong leader will be affected.

The BJP has parted its way with the PDP. In the past BJP-PDP alliance was termed as a strategic partnership in dealing with the Kashmir affairs. Now the BJP has dumped the ruling partner by paving the way for Governor’s Rule. The BJP leaders say the decision to pull out of the government came a day after conditional ceasefire for Ramzan ended. Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had reportedly demanded an extension of ceasefire in the Valley. In the past, the Army and other security top brass had said that ‘Kashmir peace can’t be brought about by any military action; it is a political problem that requires a political solution’.

“The situation in the Kashmir Valley has deteriorated... radicalisation is on the rise,” Mr Madhav said.

One of the causes of the new-age turbulence is attributed to betrayal of democratic expectations and promises made by Mr Modi and the BJP in the run-up campaign in 2014. The youth had participated in large numbers during the electoral process in the 2014 state Assembly elections and voted out the incumbent government. The so-called “North Pole-South Pole” alliance of the BJP-PDP was a positive consequence of the promises made. Now the ground reality is that the government has failed the people.

Kashmir deserves to be managed by a “grand vision” that can encompass a comprehensive process to resolve the imbroglio instead of dithering. The Governor’s Rule temporarily may bring some positive changes on the security scenario, but it can’t resolve the people’s aspirational issues.

Militancy in the Valley also seemed to be changing qualitatively with fidayeen (suicide) attacks taking place over and over again.

The subtle people’s support to militancy seen in the large participation in funerals of the slain militants and large-scale protests across the Valley, are issues that should worry all citizens and the government in particular.

The militancy in the Valley, however, also seems to have developed an autonomous raison d’etre in the absence of a comprehensive policy.

Recently a UNHRC report asked for international investigation for human rights violations in J&K, PoK and Afghanistan.

The changing character of the insurgency/militancy is a serious warning. An urgent policy correction at all levels. Policy perceptions, governance and a strategic shift is needed to prevent escalation and further radicalisation.

Kashmir has been on the boil for more than 29 years. Tens of thousands of people, both civilians and soldiers, have died and almost the entire population of Kashmiri Pandits exiled. Kashmir affairs are seemingly messed up. Terrorism has rendered the state, especially the Valley, without liberty and individuality. It has devastated the economy, education and normal living pattern, the plural ethos, and imperilled institutions. The government should acknowledge that use of military force is not a solution to the complex situation in Kashmir.

People are making a connection between the heating up of the LoC and terrorist attacks in the state and proxies of the Pakistan Army.

New Delhi needs to approach issues keeping in sight the fact that India’s strategic interests are intertwined with the goodwill of the Valley’s ordinary people, including Kashmiri Pandits, and not the land alone. The Union of India needs to act now and engage with the youth of today and Kashmir’s leadership in a serious dialogue.

Kashmir calls for peace and its people crave for a peaceful life for future generations.