As terrorists recently killed many civilians,off duty policemen ,members of the Kashmiri Pandit and Hindu community, residing in Kashmir Valley, the response from the majority of community members shows that the soul of Kashmir is still intact. This came to the fore that soon after the targeted civilians killing series of inter-community dialogues known as “Kaath Baath” (dialogue) took place under the aegis of, the Kashmir Policy and Strategy Group.
They were attended by a galaxy of prominent civil societies activists of all age groups from both communities of Kashmir. The Kashmiris unitedly and vocally advocate the doctrine of peaceful coexistence and promoting human rights values among the communities. The civil society personalities unanimously say-the Kashmiri collective conscience rejects bigotry, terrorism and the radicalized narrative. The revival of our rich heritage, plurality, peace and human rights values is the befitting answer to the enemies of Kashmir. They say plurality is the keystone of our proud heritage and we shall unitedly endeavour to save it and revive it with societal unity and mutual trust and deep commitment.
It was once again highlighted that the soul and pristine of Kashmir is live and phenomenal aptly described by some poets in Persian:
GAR FIRAUS BAR-RUE ZAMIN AST, HAMI ASTO, HAMI AST
(If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here)
Therefore it is high time after the three decades of death and destruction suffered by all the Kashmiri communities, to look beyond the blame games and seriously discuss the ways and means for standing up unitedly against demons of doom and saving Kashmir by promoting Kashmiri’s proud heritage of coexistence, societal cohesion and progressive narrative. Peace-loving Kashmiris are striving for democracy and enjoyment of the peaceful right to life. Peace is the sine qua non for democracy and the promotion of human rights. The strength of civilizational ethos has defeated the evil forces that tried to thrust the alien socio-cultural narratives on Kashmiri Society. -Kashmir is the cradle of civilisation, innovation, science and technology for thousands of years, no terrorism and radicalism will ever succeed to obliterate that.-say the civil society leaders.
Some opine constituting, that a people’s truth and reconciliation commission may further strengthen the doctrine of reconciliation between the communities which has fallen apart for a variety of reasons and circumstances. Terrorism and the exodus of Kashmiri pandits have sharply divided the communities and there is a dire need to bridge the gulf and unitedly rebuild our robust plural society in the times ahead.
Kashmiris are waiting to warmly welcome the aborigines native exiled Kashmiri Pandit Community back home, as people say Kashmir is incomplete without the physical presence of this illustrious community, the Kashmiriyat is in peril and peace shall allude without them. The rich ethos of Kashmir and the humanitarian values are on display during the Shri Amar Nath Ji Yatra and nature’s wrath has brought the big tragedy of death and destruction by cloud burst near the holy cave. It has brought Kashmiris deep grief and condolence. People are hopeful that the Yatra resumes and people get the chance to display their humanitarian support to Yatris.
-Changing ground realities
The ground realities in Kashmir are people are sick of terrorists violence ,the huge participation of people in last panchayat and DDC elections demonstrates the People’s preference for peace ,democracy and development.possibly a mandate for moratorium to political rhetoric and negation of emotive blackmail by corruption and political ambivalence of traditional political class.
Kashmiris have huge expectations. The alienation caused psychologically by bifurcation of the State,into two union territories,ad-hocism and mismanagement of Kashmir affairs from time to time would be set right by the current dispensation as promised.The unrest in Kashmir actually is due to the unabated turmoil and political turbulence rooted deep in the denial of justice, disrespect to legitimate aspirations and skullduggery resorted to by New Delhi.It is compounded by dividing the glorious and prestigious State of Jammu & Kashmir that is perceived as robbing the Kashmir’s pride and its geo strategic importance.It is the high time that the Statehood is restored back urgently-say the thought leaders.
Aug. 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government revoked Article 370 of constitution, and with it, the region’s special status as a semiautonomous state is gone.The move divided the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories: a smaller Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Union government presented it as a patriotic project to bring economic development to the Kashmir Valley, the mountainous, area along the border with Pakistan that is also eyes annexation by Islamabad. Most Kashmiris say the change in the region’s status is part of an attempt by Modi’s administration to open up Valley for whole of the Country.Traditional mainstream polity is sceptical and say -the intend of current central Govt.is to change its demographics being the only Muslim-majority State in India.The change in Kashmir’s status is brought about without consulting local public and political opinion.
But the fact remains it was widely supported by Indians within Country and abroad.
-NORMALCY AND DEVELOPMENT ASSURANCE
PM Modi assured the people and said that while J&K would regain its statehood, the UT status for Ladakh will continue with the Centre seeing it as its special responsibility. He also minced no words in saying that Article 370 had been cast in the dustbin of history. This was seen as a move to assuage the sense of hurt over the downgrade to UT following the shock of the constitutional scheme of Article 370 being junked.
Modi promised that normalcy would return, saying, “I assure you that the situation will slowly normalise and your problems will reduce.” He said a handful of people were trying to foment trouble and they would be given a fitting reply by the people of J&K themselves after realising the benefits of complete integration.
Modi emphasised that doing away with Article 370 and the reorganisation of J&K was an internal matter of India. Saying that he understood that there would be different opinions and appealed for national unity, He appealed to the film industry, public and private enterprises to make J&K a part of their plans.
The PM Modi,said differences were part of democracy, but called on those who differed to keep national interest in mind and join hands with the government in imparting a new direction to J&K. He said the doing away of Article 370 and scrapping of Article 35A would soon see their negative effects fading away. He said important laws like right to education, minimum wages and political reservations for SCs and STs would apply to J&K and a large number of people who originally came to India from Pakistan would gain full rights as citizens.The people who have been living outside Kashmir due to terrorism shall be rehabilitated back in the Valley.
He said with Ladakh becoming a UT, its development was the “natural responsibility” of the Centre while development projects in J&K related to connectivity, like roads, railway lines and the modernisation of Srinagar airport, would be taken up speedily. He expressed confidence that panchayat members and heads elected last year would prove to be catalysts in increasing electrification and ODF status of villages.
Despite having a free hand for more about three years now to politically turn around Jammu and Kashmir, the Central government continues to enlist the support of local populations even as the India-China military stand-off continues in Ladakh. The alienation and despondency is on the decline.
The moot question arises is -has the removal of the special status brought Kashmir closer to India, reduced the sources of extremism and separatism, and undermined Pakistani influence in the Valley.The answer is -that the collective conscience of Kashmiris has rejected bigotry,terrorism and radicalised narrative.
-Militancy on decline
Most indicators show the terrorist violence in Kashmir have shown substantial decline.Mainstream Kashmiri politicians today are able to resume the political activities and the separatist politicians only are restive as they are fast loosing the relevance. Youngsters across South,north and central Kashmir are engaged in studies and sports activities etc.Pakistan is leaving no stone unturned to foment,aid and abet violence in the Valley but no takers,-for Rawalpindi, all bets are off on Kashmir. India’s national and strategic interest is best served by Kashmiris turning towards India for the bright future of current and future generations..
This is a worrying phenomenon for the parents and people,who are sick of militancy and killings of Kashmiri natives by their own trigger happy crazy Kashmiri youngsters.
The militancy in the Valley, however, has developed an autonomous raison d’etre in the absence of any political dialogue. Kashmir analysts are surprised that New Delhi’s policy and its political managers are so apolitical and naive, as not to be willing to leave any space or room for the Kashmiri leadership to exert a moderating influence that could prevent youngsters from taking up the gun.
The militancy in the Valley, however, has developed an autonomous raison d’etre in the absence of any political dialogue. Kashmir analysts are surprised that New Delhi’s policy and its political managers are so apolitical and naive, as not to be willing to leave any space or room for the Kashmiri leadership to exert a moderating influence that could prevent youngsters from taking up the gun.
The changing character of the insurgency/militancy is a serious warning signal for the reason people are in Introspection mode as to what is best way forward to exit from the death & destruction syndrome unleashed by terrorists and Pakistan,and bring about secured & better life for future generations.People expect the LG administration for a policy correction at all levels of governance, and a strategic shift, urgently to prevent drift,despondency and societal radicalisation.
The unrest in Kashmir has always been attributed to cross-border hostilities and terrorism. But actually the unabated turmoil and political turbulence in Kashmir is rooted deep in the denial of justice, disrespect to legitimate aspirations by various State governments and skullduggery resorted to by New Delhi from time to time.
-STATESMAN VISION NECESSARY
Kashmir deserves to be managed by a “Statesman’s Vision” that can encompass a comprehensive process,instead of misinformation,dithering and use of muscle power alone.Humane face of Indian democracy nurtured by freedom fighters,Mahatma Gandhi,Pt Nehru,& humanitarian approach of Vajpayee and
MODI-doctrine- Dil Ki Aur Dili ki Duri Mitanni Hia -is being extended to Kashmir as a vision to finally resolve the imbroglio.There is a dire strategic necessity for the restitution,return and rehabilitation of the exiled Kashmiri Pandit Community living out of Kashmir for more than three decades payba in the Valley or else the process of idea of India in Kashmir and restoration of peace would seemingly be flawed,faulty and incomplete.The aborigines Pandit Community has an existential stake in the Valley for their roots are engraved for more than 5000 years in the soil of Kashmir.Kashmiri Pandits are the bulwark against radicalisation and have enormous contribution in Kashmiri history and development.
One of the causes of the new age turbulence is attributed to the betrayal of democratic expectations. The youth had participated in large numbers in the electoral process in the 2014 state Assembly elections and voted out the incumbent government headed by Omar Abdullah. The experimentation of BJP-PDP combine government failed for its unholiness,contradictions within and mistrust.Consequently the governance went for a toss and regional/communal political polarisation deepened.
CHANGING PUBLIC PERCEPTION
Kashmir has been on the boil for more than 30 years. Tens of thousands of people, both civilians and soldiers have died and the population of Kashmiri Pandits exiled. Kashmir affairs seemingly messed up due to Pakistan’s proxy war.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 societal psyche is turning cynical and despondent and that is what Pakistan and militancy have managed to do with the people of Kashmir. In the name of so called self-determination people have no voice of their own and the emotions are controlled and charged by proxies. People know the disastrous consequences of the harm Pakistan and terrorists have done to the current and future generations of Kashmir. But the anti-India sentiment that has grown over the years has seeped in that people refuse to see the logic.
The government has an understanding that use of military option alone is not a solution to the complex situation of Kashmir. It has to be a blend of engagement and dialogue with all the stakeholders. It is the psychological, attitudinal, social, political and economic grievances that need to be addressed. Therefore, the government should worry more about winning back the trust of the people and let the terrorism be handled by the security forces.
The Line of Control remains perpetually hot. Sometimes the unusual escalation results in a high death toll.The collateral damage to civilians living in the border areas is colossal. On the Indian side alone thousands of civilians had to be evacuated, makeshift camps set up to house them at safe distances, economic activities disrupted and schools closed in the areas adjoining the LoC and International Border. Besides the loss of human lives, houses were destroyed and damaged, cattle killed and injured and local water and electricity infrastructure disrupted.Inflitration of terrorists though marginal is on & on through borders.In recent times because of ceasefire agreement the LOC firings have substantially reduced.
PAKISTAN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
People are making a connection between the heating up of the LoC and terrorist attacks in the state and proxies of the Pakistan Army. The argument goes that by using terrorist proxies, the Pakistan Army distances itself from terrorist attacks and pays no price for its subterfuge. The ‘robust’ response of the Indian Army this time around, it is said, is meant to punish the other side by specifically targeting Pakistani Army posts.Despite this policy qua Pakistan the Kashmir continues to bleed -30 years it has been facing the terrorists violence unabated. After all how long -Kashmiri’s as on date have rejected Pakistan’s relevance in Kashmir affairs.
New Delhi is now attempting to approach the 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. Before the new age violent unrest and upsurge gets further out of hand, New Delhi deals with the issues with a party independent “Stateman Vision.”
The Union of India is determined to act now and engage with the youth of today and Kashmir’s leadership in a serious dialogue. Political dialogue with all the stakeholders is an internationally recognised jurisprudence for conflict resolution. For New Delhi, sees it as the prudent and astute political & strategic approach for a resolution of the Kashmir imbroglio.Earlier central governments have always flip-floped on political and diplomatic efforts that never brought peace in Kashmir. Therefore, a course correction and a policy perception of Modi:2:0 -Sab Ka Saath and Dil ke Doori & Dili ki Doori Mitanni hia is the only way forward. Kashmir calls for peace and its people deserve justice,democracy and peaceful coexistence to enjoy fully the human rights .
Ashok Bhan, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India And; Chairman,Kashmir (Policy and Strategy)Group