Harsha Kakar
For over a month, the valley has been on the boil, post the elimination of Wani. Simultaneously,in the media, intellectuals and security experts have been discussing options for resolution. Kashmir has dominated parliament, with members cutting across party lines, working together, to end the turmoil and the killings. The loss of over sixty young lives in violence, is heart breaking for any nation. The incident has been a windfall for Pakistan, as it was at the same time, facing a similar uprising in POK, which was crushed with maximum force, while simultaneously banning press and news. It was also a god given opportunity for them to push in militants, who would join the stone throwers, fire weapons and lob grenades from behind, forcing security forces to retaliate. The casualties would further enflame the agitation. With networks blocked, rumours spread verbally,squarely blaming the security forces. With networks open, false propaganda flows,fanning the flames. It is a catch 22 situation.
All discussions in Parliament, news channels and social media only advised the Government to talk to all stake holders. A vague statement, leaving much to be interpreted. The Home Minister in a special visit to the state attempted to commence dialogue with various groups cutting across party lines, trying to find a lasting solution. The major questions are two, whom should the Government talk with and how can it restore peace in the state.
Presently, the disturbances continue only in the Kashmir valley and have received no support in either Ladakh or Jammu or from any other region in the country. The border districts dominated by Gujjars and Bakkharwals, witness peace. Even in the valley, it is restricted to limited districts, where the Hurriyat holds influence. It involves an area populated by approximately fifty lakhs. Therefore, discussions, need to be conducted within this gambit only. However, benefits which are likely to accrue from the discussions should be distributed to the complete state.
The earlier Governments considered talking to the Hurriyat and Pakistan. Logically, these are the only two groups, with whom talks should never be held. Pakistan, is the illegal occupier of POK and also responsible for fermenting the current crises. Talking to Pakistan would imply accepting the fact, that India has succumbed to their pressure, an action, this strong nation should never resort to. Talks, if any, should encompass POK with other territorial disputes and only when terror networks are firmly closed. That scenario is utopia in the near future, hence talks are unlikely. The Hurriyat are clearly pro Pakistan and anti- India, therefore have only one agenda, Pakistan, as also are responsible for fuelling the present crises, hence should be ignored.
Prior to even considering options for talks, there should be a conducive environment. Firstly, the entire Hurriyat should be re-located for national security reasons to South India, where their ability to influence misguided youth is minimal. National security is a central subject; hence this move should be a government decision. This action may invite criticism from Pakistan as also increase tensions in the valley, however only temporarily, but in the long term would be effective. Secondly, India should provide material, financial and diplomatic support to anti-Pakistan terror groups and independence movements. We should have protested by means of a demarche to Pakistan on their conduct of elections in POK and subsequent riots.
Talks need to be with relevant stakeholders at every level. The basic rule that the talks are aimed at ending impasse and resolving problems, but within the Indian constitutional framework, are essential parameters to be laid down. Autonomous status, other than on similar grounds as Ladakh or Kargil, is also unacceptable. Redeployment of security forces should only be considered in relatively peaceful areas. Dilution of AFSPA should not be accepted, however, where the situation is under control, temporarily handing over to CRPF or JKP, may be accepted. The anti-security forces stance of the public needs to be addressed.
The true representatives of the people commence from elected representatives at village and district level upwards. Interaction at this level would enable the Government to obtain divergent views and deal with misunderstanding and misinterpretations at the grassroots level. It would also involve maximum levels of participation. The next body is student elected representatives in professional and higher educational institutes. Since most protests have been student led, talking to their representatives would enable understanding issues which ail them. Finally, is discussions with moderate religious leaders. Apart from them, the Government could consider others including traders and political parties. The grassroots need to be involved first, prior to venturing forward.
Post discussions, the solutions which emerge should be considered for implementation in a time bound manner, failing which, the situation could again become anti-national causing faith and trust to erode. Improvement of basic amenities and removing corruption in governance, which presently are causes of heartburn, require serious consideration. Industrialization is the need of the hour and unless an effort is made to open manufacturing industries, the youth would remain unemployed. The youth may be financially secure, however, employment diverts the mind from wasteful influence. Measures to enhance employment avenues could be explored, including induction of youth in larger numbers into CAPF and PSUs. Moving youth on employment, from the state, would expose them to development, which in turn could focus their attention away from anti-national activities. Simultaneously, a discreet media campaign, highlighting the dirty game of Pakistan, by exploiting our youth for their benefits, while brutally subjugating their own needs to be launched.
The nation is moving forward, while Kashmir remains mired mentally and economically in the past. Unemployment, corruption and lack of avenues even for the highly educated,open the youth to exploitation from pro-Pakistan Hurriyat and religious leaders. They are swayed into participating in anti-India agitations to vent their frustrations, built over a prolonged period of time, which are then exploited by Pakistan to enhance their anti-India stance. It also opens avenues to further the designs of the Pakistan army. Hence solutions need to involve the masses of the state, through their elected representatives and student leaders who are presently spearheading the violence.
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