Prof A N Sadhu
The state of Jammu & Kashmir is passing through a crucial Phase of history. It has witnessed unprecedented violence during the last twenty five years. Large scale destruction of men and material resources has taken place. It has served a serious blow to the development programmes, on the one hand, and on the other, it has significantly dented the ethos of peaceful coexistence which has been the hallmark of the history and culture of the state. The world is transforming fast on socio economic front and so is the vibrant environment of socio economic scenario of the country. The state of Jammu and Kashmir cannot ignore taking notice of this fast changing world and shall have to gear up to keep pace with this transformation.
Peace is imperative for building a healthy Socio economic environment. Restoring peace in the state is essential, of course, but it is a formidable task as well. There is need to understand and analyse what has been witnessed in the last twenty six years and devise effective, workable and acceptable strategies to restore peace in the state. The state witnessed external aggression in 1947 resulting into the partition of the state and a sizeable part of it is under Pak occupation. Ever since, the peace is disturbed in the state by constantceaseful violations and continuous incursions of armed rebels into the state. The war of 1965 further fuelled the process and the situation got aggravated since 1971 when the neighbouring country suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Indian Army. Over the time the pent up feelings and the deepening of enemity against our country, the neighbouring country has launched a full scale insurgency into the state and peace remains at peril.
Restoring peace in the state, more particularly in the valley of Kashmir, is essential if the state has to be put on a growth trajectory. The Security forces have done a commendable job during the last two and a half decades in maintaining the law and order in the state but peace is more than law and order. Essentially the peace is a state of mind where the sense of fear is non existent; where one enjoys the freedom of moving around freely and fearlessly and where there is no danger to one’s person and property. It is in this ideal state of peace, that growth takes place effectively and enhances the quality of life in all its perspectives. This ideal state of peace cannot be achieved by security forces alone; there has to be a solid backup to this process from all sections of society with a well intentioned blend of the Government policies and programmes. The Government, the civil society, the institutional set up, the reformist movements and intellectual inputs all together is required to be in place to restore peace in a troubled area. It seems that this comprehensive package of measures has not worked in unison and, therefore, a bold initiative will have to be launched to restore peace and give a sigh of relief to the people who have been reeling under fear and missing a heart beat every now and then. It is, therefore, appropriate to elaborate the role of different agencies in the establishment of lasting peace in the state.
I) The role of Government
(i) Efficient Law and order Management.While the CM is right in lauding the efforts of Law and Order personnel, but our law enforcing agencies have, on many occasions failed to take pre-emptive actions to avoid loss of life and property besides sparing the disruption of normal life and routine activities. In highly advanced technological set up, there seems to be something amiss which inhibits the timely and assertive action by these agencies. This aspect will have to be examined carefully to avoid avoidable loss to life and property. Many a security personnel have also lost their lives which a society cannot bear. Whether it is training inputs availability of sophisticated equipment or alertness, these aspects need a relook and most efficient security personnel should be in position to frustrate the designs of disruptionists.
(ii) Strong intelligence Network. This not only depends on advanced communication network, it invites aspects of honesty, fearlessness and commitment to one’s profession. The professional ethics plays an important role in ensuring the flow of intelligence to the concerned agencies. Professional perfection is equally important.
(iii) Good governance. We often talk of good governance which amply explains that it has been eluding us. After all what is good governance? It is not only cutting the ribbons, laying the foundation stones or attending as many ceremonies Private and public; good governance involves attention, application of mind and analysis of various aspects associated with administrative functions. Rules and regulations are facilitating devices to lubricate the system for efficient delivery on ground. The interpretations, of course, have to be objective and not subjective. The system of governance should be welfare oriented and futuristic, Red tapism should be minimal and procedures simple and speedy. The minimum Government and maximum governance should be perceptible.
(iv) Development focus. This motivates people to come forward and support the government and its programmes. In fact, we should adopt development modal of administration in place of one, handed on to us by the colonial masters. Motivation and receptivity should be the basic premise of administration in place of commands and rejectivity. The Government must ensure the flow of funds to development activities and the trickle down of gains of growth to all sections of the society.
(v) Public Awareness and information flow :-This is the age of RTI and therefore warrants a transparent system. The Government information department as also the media agencies should create public awareness and make the people participants of development programmes. The sensitivities towards civic responsibilities should be enhanced to make every individual as an agent of change towards the betterment of the society.
(II) Role of Civil society.
Civil society has an important role to play in helping the official machinery to restore peace in a trouble torn territory. The civil society should explore the history and learn about the role played by the society in maintaining the peace and order in situations where these were threatened by the disruptionists and aggressors. Kashmir has a glorious past, in this regard. In 1947, when the sub continent was boiling with communal frenzy, Kashmir remained cool and calm and witnessed harmony and brotherhood of exemplary order. This glory has to be brought in public notice with rational and humane explanations. If Mahatma Gandhi saw a ray of hope in Kashmir, why and where did it extinguish. The period between 1947-1990 remained calm with minor skirmishes and why did it prove to be a lull before the storm. Should the society not ask this question to themselves and own their negligence and indifference on this front. The Government agencies cannot be absolved of their lapses either History records the lows and highs of societies, it also records the lows and highs of its leadership. The evolutionary processes don’t stop and the world moves on along the time path searching for new openings for a more peaceful life. Politicians don’t shape the destiny of nations, it is statesmanship that is required to safeguard the future of humanity.
Since 1990, this golden history turned a full cycle and it is, indeed, sad and inexplicable. Should the incidence of violence not have been minimal or non- existent if the society had come forward and played its human role timely and assertively. Having witnessed the mass exodus of a community which has lived for 5000 years in the valley, did the society rise to the occasion and work for undoing the harm that it witnessed in the spontaneous turbulence of 1990. People are there who claim that peace has returned to the troubled territory but do they take note of every day violence, shut downs and violent protests. Peace has remained illusive and real peace will not return unless the society plays the role, it is supposed to do, Extremism is antagonistic to peace and harmony and it does not benefit even those who propagate it. Composite culture and religious coexistence has had a glorious impact on the society of Kashmir and the harmonious living of different sections of the society has often been cited as an example of composite culture under the name of “Kashmiriat”. There has to be a conscientous effort on the part of the society to architect a model for ever lasting peace. Lip service alone will not do.
Institutional framework
Social and political institutions will need to be strengthened to mobilize public opinion and mass support for building strong peace constituencies all across the valley. The fear psychosis must come to an end and reason should replace the ransom. There have been some cultural events organized by the professionals, in the field, who have aroused a strong feeling and an urge among the people to work towards building peace. These initiatives need to be given a strong Government back up for sustained efforts which will significantly help in building peace in the state. The rhetoric that peace has returned is running away from the truth that real peace is still not in sight. Peace needs involvement of all sections of the society. It can neither be achieved by rhetoric nor by upmanship.
There has to be a careful and rational blend of punitive and reformative measures to dispense justice and build confidence among the people.
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