A year since Kashmir changed AIKS NAAD Aug 2020
A year since Kashmir changed AIKS NAAD Aug 2020
05 Aug 2019 will be remembered as the day when J and K changed for the better. It was the day when article 370 and along with it, article 35A, vanished from the Indian constitution. The government had anticipated violence and political protests, hence prepared in anticipation. It deployed additional forces, enforced curfew and blocked mobile connectivity. Leading political luminaries of the state were placed under detention.
Internationally, there were objections from Pakistan and China. Pakistan claimed this decision was against UN rulings on its disputed status and it gave India an opportunity to change demography of Kashmir. A few global politicians and human rights groups protested on internet curbs, incarceration of political leaders and media restrictions. Internally, objections came from some political parties. Most global powers and organizations stood by the Indian decision and were satisfied when assured that all curbs would be lifted with time. These have almost all been lifted, and political detainees freed less Mehbooba Mufti.
There are claims that one of the causes for the Chinese intrusion into Ladakh is the changed status of the region. The Indian foreign minister had himself visited Beijing and briefed the Chinese leadership on Indian actions.
A year has passed, the region has remained peaceful and witnessed changes with alluded it for over seventy years. Terrorism has reduced with public support and terrorists are on the run. Pakistan’s cries to the world have been ignored, forcing it to adopt cosmetic internal actions to counter India. Pakistan, in a display of solidarity, commenced a national 30 mins silent protest every Friday after noon prayers. It lasted just a day, as its public was unconcerned.
What has changed in a year? Foremost is that the temperature of dissent and anger in the valley has died down. The union territory has witnessed fast forward movement of pending projects, implementation of national schemes, which were ignored for decades, better governance and a responsive bureaucracy. These were the demands of the public but ignored by politicians, who exploited local sentiment for staying in power. With them incarcerated there was hardly anyone to incite the youth into violence and protests.
Some rightful residents of the state, who were considered illegal by local political parties for pushing forth their personal agenda, were granted citizenship.
Development continues unabated. In latest inputs, three villages in the Keran Sector, close to the LoC, which received just three hours electricity a day, from generators, are now connected to the main line for 24 X 7 power supply. The valley is changing for the better.
The changed status and placing the region under central rule opened doors for security forces to target extremist ideology, arrest over ground workers, who are the backbone of any terrorist organization and thereby win hearts and minds of the local populace. This has changed the atmosphere. Support to terrorists has dropped, local recruitment has slowed, intelligence inputs increased, adding to success in anti-terrorism operations. Almost all terrorist groups are leaderless. In panic, Pakistan has advised its terrorists to lie low and avoid contact.
Such was the pressure that terrorists were forced to switch tactics. Instead of targeting security forces, they began killing innocent civilians hoping to recreate an environment of fear, which would provide them a free run in the region. The always effective J and K police, despite suffering a few losses, stood its ground and pushed back, and regained control. Supporting this action was a strong counter-infiltration grid at the LoC, which blocked most infiltration attempts.
It has taken time, but coordinated action by security agencies, working in tandem with the state administration, has brought about a change, which alluded the region for over seven decades. It has resulted in a safer and developing Kashmir and enabled the local population to move without fear.
The pandemic has blocked the commencement of some projects including construction and opening of medical and other professional colleges, investment seminars and recommencement of tourism. Business deals have been signed, road connectivity is being increased and the region is slowly moving forward. The absence of known political figures opened doors for new faces to emerge, which will change the political landscape in the region, leading to more population responsive governance.
Pakistan, which has been most impacted, as their claims have been rubbished, has been left to pick the ashes of its Kashmir policy. Pakistan’s one year of global screaming had no takers. Chinese attempts to raise Kashmir at the UNSC, on the behest of Pak, met with global resistance. It was alone in its demand for India to reverse its stand.
This year, on the anniversary of abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan has announced a minute of silence (as compared to 30 mins a year ago), renaming of Islamabad’s Kashmir highway as the Srinagar Highway and an address to the POK assembly by Imran Khan. Hoping to gain some sympathy from anti-India factions in the valley, it announced the awarding of the Nishan-e-Pakistan to Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Internally, the Pak government faces intense criticism for its failed Kashmir policy.
There are still shortcomings which the government in Delhi needs to address. Closer interaction with the grassroot level leadership in the valley is essential to enhance confidence and understand domestic problems. Conduct of investment seminars and delay in opening of promised medical and professional colleges would reduce trust in central promises.
Lacunae in the grant of citizenship to children of women, married outside the state, without being residents for 15 years, must be considered. This was a major reason why Article 35A was questioned in the original place. 4G network in the state must recommence and the government must reconsider converting the Union Territory of J and K back into a state. There is no turning back. The centre has passed the test. It is now time to deliver to the people the promises made by the PM.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army