Harsha Kakar
A week ago, the Home Minister, Rajnath Singh made a statement that the Government is working towards a solution for Kashmir, on which he could not give a deadline of six months or one year. He admitted that though stone throwing had reduced, but must stop, before the Government acts. While addressing a programme on ‘New India Movement 2017-2022’ in Lucknow over the weekend, Rajnath Singh changed his statement to state that solutions to Kashmir, Naxals and North-East insurgencies would only be available by 2022. This shift of the Government in such a short time, does not speak high of its determination and claims.
The Government had recently launched a multipronged strategy of employing all Government agencies in tandem to isolate anti-national elements and reduce militants. The army and allied security forces, including J and K police, were given freedom to launch operations to reduce the number of militants in the valley, through ‘Operation All Out’. This was a turning point and this year alone, one hundred and thirty-two militants have been eliminated, including many top commanders. This has adversely affected their morale and most are now in hiding. Strong and reinforced counter infiltration measures have reduced numbers of those who have successfully infiltrated, while strong retaliation to cross border violations, have placed Pak on the backfoot.
Simultaneously, the NIA has begun isolating the Hurriyat, by releasing details of properties amassed by their leaders at the cost of blood of local youth, whom they pushed into the front lines. The NIA has curtailed their source of funds, by closing most hawala operations and arrested those who were involved. It has begun questioning the top leadership and is only a matter of time before those responsible are arrested and face long prison terms.Professional stone throwers, identified by CCTV footages are already behind bars. Within the valley, as news spread about amassed properties of the Hurriyat, their respect and standing drops. Calls for bandhs on the arrest of their kith and kin are ignored.
The environment in the valley has begun changing. Stone throwing and protests which were once organized activities, paid for by the proxies of Pakistan are now spontaneous events, controlled by security forces. Even protests and bandhs have reduced. Those who had fooled the people into believing they were for their cause, now stand exposed. Interestingly, the Hurriyat leaders seeking to break away from India and either join Pak or occasionally profess a separate state, purchased prime properties in Delhi, a supposed enemy state in the eyes of the locals. This showed that they knew they had no hopes of succeeding, hence purchased where their families would be secure.
The only push back in the valley amidst all gains has been an increase in the number of locals joining militant ranks.Most are neither trained, nor motivated nor even equipped to challenge the might of the army, hence are being eliminated rapidly. If this also has to reduce then the Government needs to act.
This is the time when the Government machinery should have begun to regain control over the districts and towns. Interactions between elected representatives and the public, to explain Government intentions, future policies and plans should have commenced. However, the Government and the governed seem to be at different ends of the ladder. There has been no forward movement, except statements and suggestions. Instead, another hydra in the form of Article 35 A has been permitted to rise, thus adding fuel to a diminishing flame.
The state Government has begun raising its voice against Article 35A, seeking to protect demography in the valley, while failing to realize that they represent the state, not the valley alone. PDP and NC, instead of seeking to bring peace, succour and restore public confidence are enhancing regional and religion divide within the state. Thus, the gains being achieved by the army are being ignored.
This has happened to the valley every time the army has brought the situation under control. The Government has slept, stating it is seeking a solution, whereas in reality, it has failed to act, simply because it had no solution. The Prime Minister, in his address to the nation, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, stated that ‘Kashmir cannot be solved by abuse or bullets, it will be solved by embracing all Kashmiri’s’. The words appear hollow as the divide between Kashmiris’ and the nation only seems to increase, while security forces continue to keep the valley under control. The Government machinery at both, central and state levels appear handicapped and unwilling to move.
The Home Minister had earlier commented that the Government would enhance employment opportunities for the youth, but nothing seems to move. Is this Government going to follow dozens before it by just biding time and hoping the problem would vanish into thin air? If it is, then it is no different, despite its huge claims. It had made a string of promises, vowed to act, has partially done so, but when it comes to the crux, seems to develop cold feet and hesitates.
The army has, at great cost and sacrifice, provided the Government space to move forward. It has created an environment of near normalcy, beyond which may not be feasible in present times. The Government may need to take small steps, but unless it does, how can it indicate a firmness and resolute desire to resolve problems. Ignoring the state now could result in the situation slipping back and becoming advantage Pakistan again.
The Government should not let this opportunity go a-begging. Mere words imply nothing unless backed by action and results. Words have flowed from every Prime Minister, but none has acted or even attempted to resolve local problems. It is time the Modi Government moves beyond mere rhetoric and takes the bull by the horns, opens avenues for dialogue, offers solutions, as after all violence is a cycle, which may soon return to haunt, if the Government continues to slumber.
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
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