J and K needs a firm hand (English Version) Rakshak News 14 Jun 19
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/should-jammu-and-kashmir-be-a-strict-administrator
J and K needs a firm hand (English Version) Rakshak News 14 Jun 19
The BJP was re-elected because it promised to deliver on multiple fronts, primarily being on Kashmir. The appointment of Amit Shah as the home minister was a message being sent that the government would adopt a firm stance against terrorism in the valley and those who stoke the same. Actions by the NIA and other central agencies has pushed the separatists onto the defensive, while security forces have enhanced their operations against militants, eliminating over a hundred this year.
Own casualties are also down, hence proving that operations are being launched with accurate information flowing from locals. In Kashmir, most of the populace are tired of terrorism and desire peace. Even calls for bandhs by separatists are ignored.
The successful conduct of elections in the state indicated the control of security forces in the region. Some parts of the valley had low levels of turnout, which was expected. Even violence was restricted and there were no attempts at targeting polling officials as had occurred in the last Lok Sabha bye polls, post the elimination of Burhan Wani.
The central government is contemplating to redraw J and K assembly constituency borders by a delimitation exercise. This would remove the stranglehold held by the valley on the state, despite having a lesser area and density of population. It would also give rights to communities which have been ignored for decades. There have been objections to the same by valley based political parties, which may be ignored.
The BJP’s political promises also includes removal of Articles 35 A and 370. Article 35 A is discriminatory in every sense including to the population of the state and is presently under review in the supreme court. This has added to tensions within valley based political parties. They have used this as a plank to raise levels of violence and hatred, ignoring reality.
Presently, while the valley is coming under control, there is increase in actions of stone throwing against security agencies in few places. Social media has videos of local youth jumping on the protective vehicles of security forces, seeking to damage them. While the incidents are confined to only limited places and mainly after provocative sermons in Mosques, they are none the less worrisome.
Security forces have been seen quietly withdrawing from these spots to avoid casualties. In addition, was the presence of armed terrorists preaching hatred inside a mosque in Kulgam and blaming locals for conveying information on their presence to security forces. Their appearance would only have been possible with the connivance of the local Imam.
Increased violence is because security forces have begun exercising enhanced restraint, especially against the youth, despite them throwing stones, which has tended to encourage such actions. They have also sought to avoid casualties aware increased casualties could lead to more youth picking the gun, which is presently on the decline. However, this action by security forces also reduces the fear of locals, making them bolder each day.
There have also been reports of similar action against vehicles of the army. Clearly, there is some gap in the directions of the army chief at lower levels. Throwing stones is as similar an offence as firing as both are aimed to kill or injure. Further many stone throwers subsequently become militants and hence must be considered accordingly.
The Amarnath Yatra would commence soon. Such action then would hinder the smooth conduct of the yatra and could lead to injuries as the pilgrims are unarmed and in unprotected vehicles. There has been an earlier incident of a tourist from Tamil Nadu being killed by a stone thrown against their vehicle.
The army chief had stated that stone throwers would be treated at par with terrorists. This should be strictly implemented. Fear of the army must be re-imposed in the valley. The youth should realize that such actions can lead to fatalities and the army will respond.
There is a need for clear directions to be passed to all security forces that any attempt at throwing stones will be met with strong response. They would be fired upon and casualties would be counted later. The youth who are resorting to it are not misguided but doing so with an intention. Security forces must respond with full force.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army