The recent rise in targeted killings of innocent people in the Kashmir Valley indicates that the militants with the assistance of intelligence agencies from across the border, are bent upon creating trouble. In fact, the manner in which a Kashmiri Pandit, who was running a chemist shop, a Sikh woman principal and another teacher were gunned down in cold blood brought back memories of the horrific scenes witnessed in Kashmir nearly 30 years ago. The Kashmiri Pandits were virtually forced out of their homes, many were killed and conditions were created which led to circumstances, the then government could not control. The Centre has pumped in lakhs of crores in this strife ridden region over past several decades, but the situation somehow has never come back to normal.
The abrogation of Article 370 and the decision to make Jammu and Kashmir into union territories by the present dispensation was aimed at bringing things in check. The Centre has taken innumerable measures but it is evident that they are proving to be inadequate. The Kashmir issue is a political matter and not merely that of law and order and hence needs to be seen in that perspective. The latest round of killings has been done by misguided youths, some of whom must have been motivated by the Pakistanis in order to create panic. There is apprehension amongst people that the delimitation exercise that maybe started shortly could alter the demographics of the erstwhile state and even if full statehood was restored, it would be very difficult for the Kashmiris to have an upper hand over both Jammu and Ladakh. Secondly, the targeting of Muslims by ultra-right groups in other parts of the country is being used as a propaganda point by the militants and their handlers to influence young people, who are then told to single out non-Muslims and kill them.
This appears to have happened in the latest round of slayings which top Kashmiri leaders including former Chief Ministers have condemned. However, mere condemnation is not sufficient and the Centre needs to engage with political parties and influential individuals to seek their help in sorting out the matter before it goes out of control. Pakistan has always fomented trouble in the state and there is no immediate reason for them to stop their nefarious activities. In fact, the installation of a Taliban government in Afghanistan would encourage both the ISI and radical Islamic groups to bring social and political unrest in this sensitive state. The Centre must review its Kashmir policy and in consultations with experts, find new methods to contain violence and spread goodwill and trust amongst the masses. The Prime Minister also must consider visiting Kashmir to re-assure the people that their rights and interests would always be protected and the only thing which New Delhi desired was that there should be peace and prosperity in this region. No initiatives can be successful if the masses are alienated and attempts to foist decisions can prove counter-productive. The re-organisation of the state has its share of consequences and therefore repeated assurances to the people are needed. This is a serious issue and if not confronted, can assume dangerous proportions. Kashmir is ours and this reiteration needs to be made keeping the stakeholders with us.
