Ceasefire demands from Mehbooba (English Version) Rakshak News 16 May 18
Mehbooba Mufti, The J and K chief minister recently appealed to the centre to declare a unilateral ceasefire in the valley commencing from Ramzan to the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra in end Aug. Her intentions were noble and aimed at stopping the unending cycle of violence which has gripped the valley, involving elimination of local militants, wanton killing of civilians by militants, security personnel in encounters and stone pelters who attempt to interrupt operations.
The same day as Mehbooba made her pitch, the army chief gave an interview to a national daily. In his interaction he spoke freely against the local demands for ‘Azadi’ stating that these were unattainable, and the army would battle anyone who professes such thoughts. Maintaining that militancy is an unending cycle, the chief stated that numbers did not bother him, as fresh inductees replaced those eliminated.
He also highlighted that the army preferred surrender of militants rather than their elimination. Even the DGP J and K had stated on multiple occasions that they would support and help those who surrender. Over the weekend, the GOC Srinagar Corps even stated that the army would wait prior to launching the final assault, giving militants a chance to surrender. This would prevent glorifying eliminated militants, inciting more to join militancy.
On being questioned about reducing operations and giving peace a chance, the army chief stated that who would ensure security of unarmed civilians, security personnel on leave and movement of administrative convoys. If this was assured the army would adhere to a ceasefire.
As it happened during the Vajpayee days, when the army launched, ‘Non-initiation of combat operations’ in Nov 2000, the nearest word to a ceasefire in anti-militancy operations, there were multiple blasts including at the Srinagar airport and Doordarshan station, while over 170 civilians were killed by militants.
The existing scenario in the valley is already indicating a change. Frequent encounters leading to rapid elimination of militants is shifting the balance in favour of security forces. Attempts at disrupting operations rarely succeed. Civilian casualties are on the rise as stone throwers challenge forces employed in operations, who retaliate back in full measure.
Demands for a ceasefire may be an attempt to stop this cycle of violence and give a chance for peace, as while militancy remains firmly under control and Pak attempts at ceasefire violations and infiltration are responded back in full measure, however the youth appear to be drifting away. Mehbooba has realized that unless the youth are brought back into the mainstream, this cycle of violence would continue unabated.
She may be right in her thought process, however as the chief had stated in his interview, that unless there is a political process in place, with an intention of interacting at the grassroot levels, nothing would change. Fear of being attacked, as some political workers have been killed in recent times, has pushed political parties away from the masses. The distance between the leaders and the led is only increasing, adding to alienation.
She should have on the other hand demanded that the army concentrate on specific intelligence-based operations, reduce roadblocks and checks as also limit cordon and search operations. Such an action would reduce its visible presence and possibly be a harbinger of change.
Expecting the army to surrender its hard- earned gains and lose the initiative to militants, solely as an experiment, with no clear plan of action in place, is expecting too much. Her considering two major religious events, Ramzan and Amarnath Yatra was intentioned at projecting a secular image, however the modalities of one force surrendering its advantage to anti-national elements was unacceptable as the opposing side, militants and stone throwers have no such rules and policies. A much better option would be encouraging surrenders and enhancing interactions at the grassroot levels. Ultimately the army has rightfully refused to accept her suggestion of a unilateral ceasefire.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army