Harsha Kakar
The All Party Delegation (APD) visited Srinagar and attempted to interact with various stakeholders, seeking a possible solution to the current situation. Though, I had written earlier in this column that not much could be expected from the visit, however, it gave members an insight into the problems and likely options for a way forward. The decision by select members of the APD to undertake a private visit to interact with the Hurriyat and its rejection, was an insult to the Indian parliament and hence India’s core values.
While the subsequent meeting in Delhi, days later, endorsed support to the present government, however, there is a realization dawning in the minds of the political leadership,amongst the confusion of options, that a purely soft approach may not be the answer. Kashmir logically needs a combination of hard and soft actions, however, finding the right balance between the two is essential. The key players within the region, in the minds of the polity, continue to be the Hurriyat, Pakistan and political parties. An analysis would indicate that they are possibly, only partially correct. It is only after key players are identified, can any action to restore the situation be arrived at.
The turning down of talks by the Hurriyat, was in all probability, a means of saving their own standing in the valley. Years ago, the Hurriyat was a force, which had waned with time. Even recently the active media portrayal about them saving their own brethren, by sending them for education and working,away from trouble spots,while inciting youth to battle security forces, risking life and limb, for miniscule considerations, has made them lose face. Further, with growing age and no new ideas emanating, the trust and faith in their ability has diminished. Their only action has been calling for hartals, which anyway exist due to the prevailing conditions. If the Government withdraws their security and privileges, it would not need to arrest them as they would, for their own safety, become house locked. They are not stakeholders anymore as they, like parrots, would only repeat, plebiscite and Pakistan.
While Pakistan would continue to play the Kashmir game, the methodology and manner of functioning could change. It would rely on the Hurriyat, however, only as a conduit for movement of funds and messages. In their opinion too, the Hurriyat has lost relevance. During the entire agitation, never once has Pakistan or its High Commissioner referred to the Hurriyat as a representative of the people. Pakistan’s support would need to be curtailed and the only way to do so, would be conveying India’s desire to enhance support to the Baluch and Gilgit-Baltistan movement or have the world treat it as a terror sponsoring state. Talks with them have no relevance and in actuality are a waste of time. However, for the last decade, with the previous Governments in Kashmir and the centre, the only reason why even a hint at solving the problem, through local interaction, never came to the forefront, was because they backed the wrong horses, Pakistan and the Hurriyat, neither of whom could deliver what India desired, a discussion within the framework of the constitution.
Political parties, assumed to possess grass root connections have in the present context been over-estimated. MLA’s and MPs today, irrespective of the party they belong to, are scared to even visit their constituencies and face those that voted for them. Their words are presently hollow. However, in a democracy, they need to be given their due. The previous Government missed golden opportunities, by ignoring the changed climate of reduced Pak sponsored terrorism, now seek political mileage, from within the security of their well- guarded mansions.
To identify the key players, it is essential to understand the manner of violence spreading across the valley. The perpetrators are the youth, in their early twenties who lead the agitation. They come out in groups, to target security forces at fixed times. It is a game of hit and run. Though there are cries of azadi, however, the J and K flag,indicating an independent nation, has never been flown, only Pakistan and ISIS flags have been seen, hencedoubts remain on the azadi concept. The local police have been impacted by psychological warfare, with threats and in some cases physical action against the individual or his family. It is difficult to identify their leaders, however, rouge elements in every locality are known to the police.Their instigation flows from the Imams and Muezzins bellowing hatred and Jihad from the mosques, following the tenants of Wahhabism, thus inducing a religious angle. Funding flows indirectly from Hurriyat contacts, who only remain conduits. Therefore, the key players are local youth leaders and Imams.
Ideally then, the Government should first initiate talks with the Imams and Muezzins, mainly the moderate. They should be approached to understand the damage to society at large, loss ofmeans of livelihood and youth being killed or maimed. The intention being,to compel them to reduce calls for Jihad from the loudspeakers of the mosques, as also influence the more radical ones. This is easier said than done, however, it can only be the State Government which can handle this, by discussion or coercion.
Talking to the youth is difficult in the present environment. The ring leaders, even if picked up, may not be receptive, as none would have the power to control the rest, due to the widespread nature of protests. Therefore, the only option is employment of hard power, implying increasing security content to compel reduction in violence. While possibly reducing the employment of lethal weapons, increased presence of uniformed personnel itself, would be a deterrent. It is only by controlling violence can the Government move ahead with additional measures of building trust.It is never a recommended measure in a democracy, but in every case where riots have taken place, additional force has been applied for controlling the situation, prior to talks or seeking remedial measures. Hard measures would also play a role in compelling religious leaders to change track.
Simultaneously, the Government needs to have its options for increasing employment avenues ready, to be pushed, as soon as the situation begins to show signs of normalcy. This would prevent further outbreak. It is also expected that militants, already inducted and presently dormant, would enhance their activities as soon as the situation commences moving towards normalcy. This is when increased security content would prove beneficial. While the military hunts infiltrated militants, other security forces ensure return of normalcy. A Government keen to bring the turmoil to an end at the earliest, needs totake drastic measures first, prior to resorting to a softer approach. The present outreach has failed, hence an out of the box approach, would need to be attempted, to thwart the designs of Pakistan and their stooges in India.
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com
Follow our WhatsApp channel