No Kashmir is not burning. Saying so only helps Pakistan Daily O 26 Jun 18

No Kashmir is not burning. Saying so only helps Pakistan Daily O 26 Jun 18

There is a general perception being projected through multiple sources of media, via editorials, opinions and prime time debates, that the situation in Kashmir had deteriorated and hence the BJP has withdrawn support, preferring governor’s rule. The true reasons for withdrawal are mainly political and their desperation to maintain their hold of the Jammu belt, which they were fast losing.

It was evident that Mehbooba was more concerned about the valley, being her electoral base and facing Pak’s proxy war, than Jammu and Ladakh. Stating political reasons for their withdrawal would impact the reputation and standing of the BJP, since when it joined the coalition the situation was no different, hence it was seeking a trigger, or an incident and the assassination of Bukhari provided it.

The reports on the deteriorating situation appear to have been guided by the BJP’s comments that security forces would now have full freedom to act and regain control in the valley and blown up by an ever- obliging media. The BJP has gone further in mentioning that security forces can now employ a ‘hard approach’. Peaceniks and to some extent Mehbooba have been stating in multiple forums that there would only be a resolution to Kashmir through talks with all stakeholders, a term which remains ambiguous and not through a ‘hard approach’.

The valley has been in its present disturbed form for some time now. The levels of violence of 2016, post the elimination of Burhan Wani, were an aberration. The army has operated in the same manner, employing the same tactics, with miniscule changes based on the perceptions of commanders, prior to implementation of NICO, during it and post the establishment of governor’s rule. The only difference was that most militant leaders were earlier from Pak, but now are local.

There would not be any change in the army’s approach, tactics and weaponry. It will continue to smoke out terrorists as hither to fore, employ minimum force, call parents of local terrorists hoping for their surrender and counter stone pelting if it interferes against their operations. Thus, the term ‘deteriorating situation’ and ‘hard approach’ are a political misnomer, projected by the BJP, aimed at garnering credit for future army successes, which it knows would come about, as also to justify reasons for its withdrawal from the coalition govt.

There would however be some major benefits of operating under the governor’s rule, especially in the valley. The state surrender policy, which could not be cleared due to differences in the ruling coalition would now be approved, so would be the rehabilitation policy. Investigations by the NIA and ED into Hawala transactions of the Hurriyat which were pushed onto the backburner by the PDP led government, hoping for a breakthrough in talks would now be visible again.

A major benefit would be in the approach of the state police, which would be freed from the shackles of political interference, an aspect which the J and K DGP aptly described in an interview, ‘every political party has its compulsions’. The other visible difference would be that pardons granted to stone throwers may be withdrawn.

Local youth joining militancy has been billed as an indicator of deteriorating law and order. The same has been happening because of glorification of eliminated local militants and deaths of those either caught in the crossfire of encounters or attempting to disrupt operations.

The state police, immediately after declaration of governor’s rule, has issued directions to control burials, preventing militant presence and speeches, which was resisted by governments dominated by valley based political parties. This would play a significant role in reducing recruitment into militant ranks.

The youth have been fed with dreams of ‘Azadi’ which local leaders know is never feasible. No political outreach has ever been attempted to change this view. It is this unrealistic dream alongside funding of stone throwing which has continued to incite violence.

The deployment of the NSG is being justified by a section of the media as being due to the deteriorating situation. This perception is false. Their deployment, akin to those of the Graud (air force commandos) and MARCOS (naval commandos) is to hone their skills through live engagement, rather than just normal training as was the norm.

Over the years levels of violence in the valley have risen and fallen, however peace and resolution of dispute has alluded the region. Security forces have on numerous occasions brought the situation under conditions of ‘near normalcy’, only to lose ground as there has been no political push for resolution. Demands for talks with stakeholders has always been a vague term used by peaceniks. None has clearly defined stakeholders.

If the words of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stated in an interview to the Tribune on 24th Jun are to be considered, there would never be talks, as the Hurriyat’s demands are beyond acceptance of any government. He stated, ‘There are two ways out- grant the right of self-determination under the UN resolutions or hold talks between Delhi and Islamabad, Srinagar and Muzaffarabad (capital of POK).’

The present government has categorically stated talks and terror cannot go together as also no government in history would have the Hurriyat and POK political leaders on the same table as Pak. Thus, while peaceniks may continue mentioning talks, it appears nowhere on the horizon as apart from the Hurriyat, there are no visible stakeholders.

Thus, with no political solution in sight, security forces would continue operating as they have been over the years, controlling levels of violence, reducing the number of militants and eliminating those being infiltrated. Pak would not cease supporting levels of violence, as for them there is no other option and with minimum investment it provides them with maximum gains and international publicity. It also enables them to resort to India bashing in international forums.

Thus, realistically Kashmir is neither burning nor is the situation alarming. It is being so projected only for political purposes. The hype being blown-up by the media only adds to the perception across the nation. This projection is immensely damaging as it provides Pak with more ammunition to damage Indian standing and enhance the morale of their supported militant groups.

Internally, these comments are exploited by anti-national elements, including the Hurriyat to stir more violence and cry against security forces from the rooftops. There is a need for more responsible statements and the projection of the correct perspective to the national and international community. The truth about talks and relevant stakeholders need to be spelt out by those supporting this concept, rather than being ambiguous.