Peace in J and K remains fragile (English Version) Rakshak News 30 Jan 18
The recent incident in which an isolated part of an army administrative column came under stone pelting, attempted burning of vehicles and snatching of a weapon as also near lynching of a JCO in Shopian, resulted in the army opening fire in self-defence. It led to two deaths and a few injured. The CM, Mehbooba Mufti immediately called the defence minister claiming the such actions by the army would push back the results achieved so far. It gave an opportunity to the Hurriyat to attempt to regain the initiative by calling for a bandh.
There has been positive progress in the valley since the burning summer of 2016. The initiative which had been passed into the hands of the separatists and Pak sponsored militants was slowly reclaimed. The security forces speed and rate of elimination of militants pushed them on the backfoot and on the run. Indian army gained ascendency along the LoC. Demonetization made fake and hawala currency ineffective in the valley, reducing the ability of the separatists to purchase violence.
The NIA investigating multiple cases of money laundering and hawala, resulted in some separatists being arrested. Their confessions are moving the top leadership close to incarceration. Thus, as 2017 was concluding, there was normalcy returning, enabling the government to appoint an interlocutor as also announce Panchayat elections for mid-February.
Incidents like the recent one in Shopian is an indicator of rogue elements seeking to re-ignite fires of violence to push back any progress made by the state and centre. Whether they were acting at the behest of separatists or had militant ranks within them instigating the public, is difficult to judge. The fact remains, that incidents can always happen. Assuming one incident can set progress made back into time is wrong.
The announcement of Panchayat polls by the government would have rattled Pak and the separatists and compelled them to resort to desperate action to reignite the valley and block the political process. Further peace in the region is anathema to their plans, hence they would have desired to instigate violence.
The hasty action by Mehbooba Mufti in calling the defence minister to complain is providing fodder to anti-national elements. An impartial inquiry involving all agencies would determine what led to a crowd suddenly commence targeting an administrative column which was peacefully transiting. If there were errors, then these could be rectified for the future. The army would never have opened fire unless provoked, it never has. Further, the army never uses pellet guns nor batons, it is the instrument of last resort and uses its operational weapons.
Incidents would always occur, especially as the state is transiting through challenging times. The ability of good governance is to reclaim control and turn an adverse situation to advantage, rather than blame those agencies which sacrifice their lives daily to enhance order. One incident should never be considered adverse, despite casualties. It may set the clock back, but for a limited time in a small region, not across the valley. Mehbooba needs to act to reclaim control and continue with the planned Panchayat polls and stop blaming the army.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army