A new approach the need for Kashmir The Statesman 19 Jul 16
The encounter killing of Hizb-ul- Mujahideen local commander and poster boy militant, Burhan Wani, led to widespread disturbances in Kashmir. There was a mass of humanity, mainly the youth who attended his funeral. Subsequently, the situation deteriorated at a rapid pace, which took security agencies by surprise. Though like in earlier militant funerals, a crowd was expected, however, the rapid deterioration was unexpected. It also impacted the Amarnath Yatra, which was in progress and had to be partially suspended. While for once, political parties did not openly exploit the situation, as is normally the case, however Pakistan did, with comments from their Prime Minister and foreign office, including raising it at the UN. Hafiz Saeed, founder of the LeT and Sayeed Salahuddin of the Hizb-ul- Mujahideen, both responsible for attacks on Indians, eulogised Wani jointly in POK.
This has not been the first time serious disturbances have rocked the valley. Post a fake encounter killing in 2010 and the subsequent accidental death of a school boy, Tufail Mattoo, as a result of teargas shelling during a protest, the valley was on the boil. By the time the situation returned normal over a hundred civilians were killed and many more wounded, including security personnel. Presently, there have been indicators that Kashmir was slowly boiling. The elimination of Wani was the tipping point.
Kashmir has been witnessing a changing militancy. Effective anti-infiltration measures had reduced the inflow of militants from Pakistan to a trickle, hence the balance began shifting to home grown terrorists. Wani was media savvy and unlike his predecessors openly flaunted his pictures on social media sites, thus enticing others to join the movement. He also represented a new breed of terrorists who were against formal talks on the Kashmir issue, but only a jihad. Hence the decision to eliminate him was logical.
An analysis of the situation in Kashmir would reveal that anger against the state was growing and can be partially justified. While other states have grown economically, Kashmir has remained wired to the past. There is lack of development and non-availability of opportunities, even for the educated. Basic facilities of electricity and water are erratic to state the least. Mobile connectivity and internet services, essential for the youth, are sporadic. The unemployed youth were further instigated by Imams and the Hurriyat. Thus they were emboldened to vent their frustration.
The younger generation born during the period of heightened militancy, have encountered security forces almost on a daily basis. They have been subjected to road blocks, house searches and witnessed encounters, hence, possess lesser fear of security forces. However, with Pakistan sponsorship of terrorism continuing, security can never be lax. This is Indian territory; thus terrorism can never be allowed to flourish. Stone pelting on security forces began in 2008. In most cases it occurred during protests or when the police broke unruly public gatherings by employing force. The past year has witnessed a new but dangerous trend. Locals come to encounter sites in large numbers and attempt to distract security forces by stone pelting, with the aim of enabling trapped militants to escape. This change was an indicator to the government, that support at the local level was moving towards militancy and away from the state.
It may appear that the entire unfolding of the incident was spontaneous and unorganized, however in all probability that may not be correct. While initially the violence was spontaneous, however subsequently the scenario changed. The mobs knew exactly when and where to strike, hence would have been advised from across or guided by militants in their ranks. The mobs attacked police stations, which during strife are devoid of manpower and security, as most personnel are deployed controlling the situation. Thus mobs were able to obtain weapons and ammunition, in one case over 70 weapons, which would subsequently be employed against security forces. In many cases militants fired and lobbed grenades using civilians as a cover and security forces retaliated. The innocent suffered, while militants escaped. At a number of places, while one group engaged security forces in localities, another attacked weakly held police stations, burnt it and looted weapons. Thus direct involvement of Pakistan is evident.
With Pakistan jumping onto the bandwagon and adding fuel to the fire, it would take some time before the protestors realize the futility of their actions. Statements emanating from Pakistan give false hope to those protesting. In reality, Pakistan only resorts to beating of drums, which implies nothing. Post Kargil, Pakistan realized that military action is not an option and the only way ahead is by vitiating the atmosphere in the valley. Their present action has only worsened an already charged international environment and pushed any plans of proposed talks further away.
The protests have proved that there is breakdown of communication between the political leadership and the populace. This is amongst the major causes for alienation and rapid deterioration of law and order. Intelligence agencies, both at the state and centre failed to comprehend the growing anti- security forces simmer in spite of recent incidents during encounters and funerals of militants. The maximum injured were due to pellets fired by CRPF and police forces. This weapon may be reconsidered for crowd control in the future, or the police trained to employ it correctly.
The centre, while warning Pakistan to desist from interfering, also needs to monitor developmental projects and increase interaction with the populace. The new government at the state presently has its hands full. Unless it moves fast, re-establishes contact at the grass root level, enhances development, invests in infrastructure and introduces populist schemes, Kashmir will only move further downhill. Simultaneously, a positive media campaign must be launched projecting the negative impact of militancy on development and creation of infrastructure. We need to wake up and act, well before Kashmir goes further downhill.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army