J and K is at ‘no peace’ not at ‘resistance’ (English Version) Amar Ujala 31 Oct 19
https://www.amarujala.com/columns/opinion/kashmir-there-is-unrest-not-resistance?src=top-lead
J and K is at ‘no peace’ not at ‘resistance’ (English Version) Amar Ujala 31 Oct 19
The abrogation of Article 370 in J and K by the Indian government on 05 Aug this year, followed by ordering restrictions on assembly of crowds and a communication clampdown, led to calls from some international quarters on violation of human rights. Their voices increased in intensity when local politicians were placed under detention. Presently, other than internet, all other restrictions have been lifted, though some political leaders and instigators of violence continue in detention.
This action by India changed the Indo-Pak narrative, as it amended for eternity, the status of the region. India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir, none of which has resulted in any resolution. Talks have always collapsed as the Pak deep state desired a status quo. India will never accept third party mediation and insists on Pakistan stopping terrorism sponsorship before talks. Aware that it lacks military power, Pak resorted to a diplomatic and terror sponsoring approach to counter the Indian decision on Kashmir.
In recent days, calls for lifting of restrictions in the valley have been on the rise. The latest was the US House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Asia and the Pacific, whose members castigated India for continuing with internet blockades. They also criticised Indian actions of denying permission to US senator, Chris Van Hollen, to visit the valley.
To offset international criticism, India invited chosen Members of Parliament (MPs) of the European Union (EU) for a visit to the region. 27 EU MPs arrived in India and of them, 23 visited Kashmir. The intention was to project to them the current environment in the valley, enable interaction with the army, which has been monitoring the situation, as also present evidence of the involvement of Pakistan in fermenting violence in the valley and its attempts at infiltrating terrorists.
While this move has been criticised by Indian opposition political parties however it is the first step in projecting the Indian viewpoint that Kashmir is peaceful and violence if any is planned and coordinated by Pak. There would more international visits in the days ahead, seeking to counter international and Pak criticism. While such delegation visits imply internationalization of Kashmir, the government has limited options.
Pakistan is aware of Indian intentions and has begun enhancing terrorist actions in the valley to convey their perspective of a troubled Kashmir.
It has been almost 90 days since the government revoked article 370. In this period, neither has a bullet been fired, nor has there been any death by security forces actions. All government services, including education and medical, function normally, however, have been hampered by forced restrictions placed by terrorists and Pak sympathisers. The intention of internal restrictions has been to project a picture of uncertainty, violence and state-imposed restrictions. There have been some incidents of stone pelting, which is a regular feature.
State board Class X exams have begun. On the first day authorities reported 99% attendance. This has been despite calls for boycott by terrorists, implying that the common Kashmiri does not support violence. Many even mentioned that they walked large distances to be present for the exams, thus most seek a better future for their wards, rather than one of violence.
Pakistan and some international agencies have been insisting that with the lifting of restrictions, violence levels will increase. However, nothing as such has happened.
Realizing that their attempts at instigating violence has failed, casualties continue only due to terrorist actions and normalcy has begun to return, Pak began to enhance attempts at infiltration to recreate the almost defunct terrorist infrastructure in the state. Further, with winters fast approaching, snowfall having commenced in the higher reaches, the window for infiltration is fast receding. Infiltration cannot happen without active support by the Pak army, due to which it has begun enhancing ceasefire violations. Indian strategy remains of strong retaliation, as a result of which, Pak has begun suffering increased casualties.
Historically in Kashmir, violence implying serious resistance to Indian actions has never been impacted by clampdowns or presence of security forces. The region, in 2010 and 2016, had no dearth of security forces, yet witnessed unprecedented violence. In 2016, there was a communication clampdown for three months, yet violence reigned, resulting in over 75 dead and thousands injured. In both cases, instigation was by pro-Pakistan lobbies. Till date there has not been a single fatal casualty.
With limited internal violence, terrorists backed by Pak were compelled to act to present a different picture. They began attacking soft and selective targets seeking to hurt the local economy. They are concentrating on apple traders, apple laden truck drivers, migrant labour and shopkeepers. Attacks in the last few days have led to eleven deaths. Stone throwing incidents also increased during the visit of the EU delegation. The message which was conveyed was one of ‘no peace’ in the region, not ‘one of resistance’ as all incidents were localised and limited in scope.
The current manner of self-imposed restrictions, with full participation in the school exams and recruitment drives, indicate that locals are neither behind the killings and violence, nor do they support them. These are being instigated by directions from across and being resorted to by either inducted terrorists or few Pro-Pak elements. Had Kashmiris been desirous of displaying that they are resisting Indian government’s decision, then the nature and level of violence would have been vastly different.
Terrorists and their supporters have only been able to present a picture of disturbances and not resistance by Kashmiris, as Pakistan had been projecting globally. While security forces would continue to seek terrorists and eliminate them, the message which needs to be conveyed globally is that Kashmir, apart from pressures from terrorists, stands by the Indian decision. This is because majority of the public seeks peace and a better future.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army