Countering separatists 05 Jul 17
A year ago, on July 8th the army eliminated Burhan Wani, the local commander of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), an important militant face, in an encounter. His poster boy approach and vast use of social media had made him a household name across the valley. He was a known face of HuM though had rarely participated in operations, however was more visible in photographs, dressed in combat fatigues, an AK 47 by his side, accompanied by other militants, inciting youth to join the movement.
The police were unprepared and caught off guard by the masses which attended his funeral and the hot volatile summer which followed. It reacted to situations rather than being on top of it. The violence pushed all progress made by the army and the government back by time. It resulted in enhanced infiltration as the army concentrated on restoring normalcy. Burhan Wani did manage to woo some local youths into picking the gun, most of whom have since been eliminated. Even his reliever, Sabzar Bhat has been killed. The protests and street battles which followed Wani’s encounter killing, commenced at random, however was actively instigated by separatists and Pakistan, hence continued for months.
For the separatists and Pakistan, Wani was the militant whose elimination launched thousands of stones, compelling massive retaliation, resulting in deaths and pellet injuries to many participants of violence across the valley. For the instigators of the uprising, Kashmiri lives and injuries meant nothing, so long as India was forced to act, which enabled them to play to world galleries.
The separatists attempted to lead a few marches, knowing they would be prevented, hence were safe at home, while others were made cannon fodder. They only commented and incited, paying stone throwers with money routed through Pakistan. None of the injured claimed to have actively participated in the violence, but were supposedly bystanders, shot while observing others, leaving the rational Indian wondering if witnessing stone throwing and resultant firing was akin to watching a football or cricket match from the side lines. Even few TV channels enunciated this view, seeking sympathy for those who participated and suffered.
To encash on Burhan’s image, especially when the valley was on the boil, the Pakistan Prime Minister called him a ‘vibrant and charismatic leader’ whose ‘martyrdom became a rallying point for freedom loving people’. He even spoke about him in glowing terms in the UN general assembly, calling him a ‘young leader’, all of which was generally ignored.
The separatists also left no stone unturned to gain mileage from his encounter killing. The Hurriyat Conference chairman, Syed Ali Geelani announced in Aug last year that Burhan Wani would be honoured with the Tamga-e-Azeemat (Medal of Greatness) for his ‘dedication, sincerity and bravery’. Geelani went on to add, ‘His martyrdom has added a new life to the ongoing freedom struggle in J and K. He has united and strengthened the pro-freedom voice of this troubled state and the entire nation (referring to Pakistan) is feeling pride in paying tribute to this great mujahid’.
As the anniversary of his elimination approaches, there would be plans afoot in the valley and Pakistan to again reignite fires in Burhan’s memory, solely to tie down security forces. Supporters of the separatists located abroad, would be seeking to lower Indian image in various parts of the globe by a series of protests. Pak would use this occasion to restate its so-called support for the freedom struggle, knowing it is fake. It would attempt to instigate violence by social media, projecting Burhan as a martyr.
The separatists would cry and scream for protests, including during Friday prayers from the main mosques. Their stooges would seek to enhance funding for those indulging in violence. The intention of anti-national players would be to play on the sentiments of the youth, making them cannon fodder, while they stay safely away. Their ultimate aim would remain to compel Indian security forces to employ firearms, resulting in casualties, thus hoping to rekindle fires.
Security forces would be on high alert, expecting protests and violence, especially post Friday prayers a day before. With the ongoing Amarnath Yatra additional precautions would be in place. Pak and its deep state would have instructed its cadre in India to contemplate a major action in his memory to enhance local sentiments. There would possibly be increased attempts at infiltration close to this date to boost militant strength in the state.
Hence, while security forces would plan and be ready for handling the situation, within the nation, nationalist groups should organize counter moves with the aim of indicating solidarity with security forces and the government. This becomes more important in cities in J and K, as it would convey a strong message to anti-national elements within the state. Jammu should be a major rallying point for such supportive actions.
During this period, channels which seek TRPs by inviting pro-separatist and Pak based commentators in talk shows should change tack. This is the moment to call forward moderates, those seeking peace, alongside those who support security forces for discussions on the positive impacts of his elimination. Calling Pakistani commentators or anti-nationals and seeking to insult or degrade them, would still provide a platform for eulogizing Wani while insulting security forces and the government, hence should be avoided.
The NIA investigation into hawala funding is in progress. This is the moment to move those under investigation, including instigators within the Hurriyat to Delhi, sans communication, thus isolating Pak in being alone to try and incite violence. Restricting mobile networks would reduce the spread of rumours. Additional security measures including enhanced deployment to prevent increased violence would make Pak and its local supporters loose face, as they would have well laid out plans to use this opportunity to their advantage. With time in its favour and being forewarned, the government should be prepared, rather than react to the situation, as hitherto fore.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army