Harsha Kakar
In the last couple of days there have been eleven irrational killing by terrorists. These include migrant labour and truck drivers of apple trucks, all soft targets. In addition, is the recommencement of burning of schools by terrorists. The intention has been to block the economy of the state, prevent movement of apple produce, the main bread earning for the locals and thereby create an environment of uncertainty and fear.Simultaneously, project globally that normalcy has yet to return. Migrant labour, which is essential for the economy of the state, has begun moving out of the region, adding to woes of the dwindling economy.
There were also reports of successful conduct of Block Development Council (BDC) elections, in which majority of seats were won by independents. The high polling percentages of over 90% and most seats being won by independents while few by BJP and National Panthers Party, the only political parties to contest, indicated the desire of the population to enhance democracy and development at the grassroot levels, while rejecting the BJP as the new player in the valley.
The past few weeks have reports of all restrictions, less internet, being lifted, yet markets open for a few hours each day, public transport remains off the roads and school attendance, though improving, remains low. At the same time, the attendance at the Class X state board exams was at a staggering 99%. In many cases parents waited outside to escort children back, fearful of the tense environment, created by terrorists. It indicates that the desire in the valley is seeking better educational opportunities for children.
The conduct of written exams for recruitment into the army witnessed thousands braving diktat from terrorists and attending. Many claimed to have walked over 10 Kms to be present,a sign that the local population seeks a life of dignity with employment and not of violence.
There are also reports that residents of Aanchar, the most restive of localities in the Soura neighbourhood, continue to strictly control entry and exit points to their locality. Theyhave erected barricades to keep security forces at bay. Reports continue flowing of stone throwing in isolated regions, all of which have been controlled by use of tear gas and in some cases pellet guns. There has not been a single incident of firing of live ammunition.
All this happens while security forces continue being deployed across the region and internet remains blocked.
A European Union (EU) MPs delegation comprising of 23 members visited Kashmir and interacted with the army, multiple civil society groups and subsequently in Delhi met a stream of political leaders cutting across party lines, including Congress and PDP. The intention of the visit was to counter some of the international anti-India propaganda on Kashmir and project the role of Pak in supporting terrorism. Their visit was questioned by Indian opposition members, yet at the end they shared their views on the status of the region.
Simultaneously, the state of J and K has ceased to exist and in its place are two Union Territories. Major political leaders from the valley continue to be interned to prevent them from instigating violence. Most Indian opposition parties have questioned the government’s promise of restoring peace in the region as random killings by terrorists continue.
What is being witnessed in the valley at present are incidents of random killingon soft, unprotected targets. This brings Kashmir even on the national political agenda as the government is questioned on its failure to protect the populace. Terrorists are careful to control the number of incidents to deny India the opportunity to exploit it to strike back at Pak.
Attacks on security forces are from a distance, indicating that the terrorists are unwilling to challenge security forces but working on a plan of subduing the will of the local populace and projecting that they hold the cards, while supporting Pak’s claim of unrest and violence.
Imran had sought to convince the world that as soon as restrictions are lifted there would be mass resistance to the government’s decision. This has not come about, on the contrary the message floating from the valley is different.
The prevalent environment is not one of resistance nor are locals themselves seeking to impose restrictions, as was being done in earlier days. Stone throwing is random and not aimed at enforcing closure of establishments but display of anger. Fear is being enforced on the populace by terrorists and some pro-Pak supporters. Despite their presence, security forces have been unable to build confidence within the local population to ignore calls for supporting the Pakistani agenda. This has added to uncertainty in the region.
Thus, J and K remains in a state of ‘no peace’ imposed by outside elements and not one of ‘resistance’ imposed by the residents. This implies that while there would be groups opposed to the government action, the majority have accepted the decision. It may be too early to determine if the population supports the decision to convert the state into a Union Territory or are more relieved by the removal of political entities which have dominated state politics for decades.
This is reinforced by the fact that on one side locals desire peace, development, better education facilities and a life of dignified employment and on the other few pro-Pak terrorists and supporters seek to force people to project a picture of unrest and violence.
Security forces cannot be omnipresent and soft targets would continue being hit. This advantage always remains with the terrorist and compels security forces to react. The terrorist has been able to create the fear of his being able to target those who oppose his diktat at will. Hence, at the end of the day, despite security force deployment, dedication and determination, the advantage of selecting and hitting the target will remain that of the terrorist. Simultaneously, terrorists are avoiding attacking strong security posts.
This entails that security forces need to alter their strategy to counter this terrorist approach. Delay in changing their strategy would lead to the local population losing trust on the ability of security forces to defend them and compelling them to accept terrorist diktat.
The author is Major General (Retd)
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