Harsha Kakar
Increased casualties to security forces due to disruptions of encounters by locals, have dominated headlines last week. The Army Chief had stated, post paying homage to the martyrs, that those interfering with encounter activities would be treated at par with anti-nationals. The Statement has been hotly debated in news channels and the media. Those seeking to regain political support in the Valley (National Conference) and pro-Pak separatists along with arm chair journalists and so-called strategists, have openly criticized the statement, while the Government has welcomed it. The State Government has also issued an advisory to locals to stay upto three Kmsaway from encounter sites. Encounters are serious business, involving life and death of those battling anti-India militants and hence can result in collateral casualties.
It has taken a chief with guts to convey this strong message. Criticizing his comments is a democratic right, however illogical comments, without understanding the changing security environment in the valley,is indicative of a biased attitude. In a departure from the past, most encounters presently take place in villages, indicating that there is some quantum of support being provided to militants. While local militants, who joined the movement post the encounter killing of Burhan Wani,can garner support, however, foreign militants being trapped in residences is a different ballgame.Stone throwing and interfering in operations is on the rise, again suggesting Pak and separatist support for such action.
Those who are criticizing, especially in public media, have neither faced a bullet nor fired one in anger and have no kith and kin in the army, facing one. They fail to realize that those who battle militants, on behalf of the nation, are also sons, husbands and fathers and are there because they have a task to complete, not to become martyrs due to the callousness of those misled. The statement by the chief was issued after a collection of incidents, which hampered national forces from achieving their aim of eliminating militants. It is the same army, which has secured the nation and permitted these so-called liberals from airing anti-army sentiments.
To project a pro-population stance, the military has been battling well-armed militants with one hand tied behind its back. It has discarded heavy weapons, ideal for destroying houses, trapping and killing militants harboured inside with reduced casualties to own troops,nor ever considered employment of helicopter gunships as it could result in innocent casualties. This has never been the case in any other country across the globe. Pakistan in operations just last week, openly employed air and artillery against so-called militants,post thetargeting of the Sufi shrine. Its claim of killing over a hundred militants in its first day of operations, apart from being false, also smacks of genocide against innocents, solely to prove a point. Avoiding a similar approach has only resulted in a higher percentage of casualties to our own soldiers.
In anti-militant actions, especially when conducted in populated areas, collateral damage can be expected and has occurred. Fighting with one hand tied is frustrating for troops, yet they continue following rules, basically because they are ingrained with the idea that some youth are misguided.However, when anti-encounter actions including stone throwing becomes a regular occurrence, then this patience may just erode. As per criminal law, an accomplice to a murder is equally guilty of the crime. Hence, those seeking to distract security forces, or interfering in operations resulting in own casualties are also guilty of terrorism and should be treated at par with terrorists. This was the crux of the chief’s comments and are legally justified.
With the intention of reaching out to the population the army launched a variety of ‘Sadbhavna’ projects, in which it opened schools in remote areas, developed infrastructure and supported local empowerment. It employs Government funds to win hearts and minds, in areas where the State Government cannotventure. These institutes are prized possessions,wherever established. Whenever the army conducts medical camps or training workshops, the participation by locals is overwhelming. It gives the impression that locals seek to gain by what the army offers, but turn against them and support anti-national militants, when they are engaged.
There is a feeling of caution within the Governments at the centre and the State as neither desires that the summer of 2016 returns to the valley. Further, opposition parties only seek excuses to blame the Government, if the situation worsens. The separatists continue praying for army retaliation, resulting in civilian casualties, enabling them to recreate the past summer. This would give them back the importance, which they have presently lost. Each group visualizes scenariossolely from their own view point. There is no one to explain to the locals, that they are being misled, would never witness the dreams played to them being fulfilled and would continue to be used and discarded, by those in whom they profess faith.
In this complex scenario, where human lives of those seeking to protect national security are at stake, there is a requirement to change tact. Firstly, all operations should be solely undertaken by the army. The other forces should be tasked for cordon, with clear directions to employ force, even firing, if necessary, against those interfering, as eliminating militants is essential for national security. Secondly, in areas where locals interfere, all ‘Sadbhavna’ projects and camps should be closed. While this may hurt those pro-Government, but is essential to convey a message that either you are with us or against us. Thirdly, the State Government should interact at local levels and advice the population on the demerits of their actions and possibility of suffering casualties. Finally, the army has no choice, but to continue with its relentless operations, taking risk to avoid collateral damage, but willing for its acceptance, in case the situation gets out of hand. After all, the summer has yet to arrive and possibly would bring with it a higher level of militancy.
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
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