Everyone who picks up a gun in the valley will face elimination Defence news India 13 Aug17
Every time a local militant is killed, the valley breaks out in protests. The most violent and prolonged protest in recent times was after the elimination of Burhan Wani, a militant who was more a poster boy, avoiding clashes with security forces. He was eulogised by the separatists, with Geelani announcing that he would be honoured with the “Tangma-e-Azeemat” (medal of greatness), for his ‘dedication, sincerity and bravery’. He was also praised by Nawaz Sharif who called him a ‘young leader’ at the UN.
It was clear, that the protests which followed his elimination and subsequent burial, commenced spontaneously, but were soon taken over by the Hurriyat, which paid stone throwers with money flowing in from Pakistan. They prolonged the protests seeking to enhance their control over the region. The protests engulfed towns in the valley, blown out of proportion by a part of the media, which claimed the valley was on fire, which was untrue. It resulted in immense loss of lives and injuries to the youth. It shut down the valley for the summer, causing financial loss to the state and its population.
In a similar manner, most protests subsequent to elimination of militants or death to those disrupting security forces operations were organized and financed by the Hurriyat. However, demonetization dealt a severe blow to their source of funds. Protests then became localized and spontaneous. Presently, with the NIA dealing a crippling blow to the Hurriyat and its source of funds, protests have almost ceased. The Hurriyat’s calls for bandh, post the arrest of the kin of the leaders were largely ignored. Thus, evidently it was money and not the cause which drove protests.
The rate of elimination of local militants is increasing rapidly. Most of those now being eliminated are ones who joined their ranks recently. Inter militant group rivalry has also given the security forces an upper hand. Media reports on reasons for youth picking up the gun and joining militancy appear to indicate two sides of the coin. While one states anger against the state, the other is bravado and display of manhood.
No parent, irrespective of beliefs or even wedded to the cause of ‘azadi’ desires to receive the remains of their son. Most try to dissuade them, but circumstances, mostly the desire to gain a name and local fame, compel them to join. Post joining the ranks, many realize the futility of the cause and seek to revert, but are prevented and denied the option by their comrades. Thus, poorly motivated, ill-trained and ill-equipped they are rapidly eliminated and become numbers in the militancy game. For those from their hamlet, eliminated militants are heroes who died for the cause, thus large numbers attend their burials.
Those who manage to survive are appointed leaders of various factions in smaller regions, further hastening their elimination. It is clear, the higher you rise in the militant hierarchy, locally you may become an icon, but for security forces, you are an important target. Hence, most up the hierarchy, become social media militants, recruiting others to become cannon fodder, while they remain away from encounters and devote their energy in enticing others or posting messages on social media.
The locals who seek to protest during encounters, risking their lives resorting to stone throwing are official supporters of militants. They are militants without weapons, hence would face security forces wrath. Those who are injured in security forces actions claim to be passing by or watching stone throwing, akin to observing a sporting event.
Pak infiltrated militants, have always felt they are superior to their local counterparts and have been infiltrated to support the militancy, hence exploit Kashmiri’s to the fullest. This exploitation was very evident when militancy commenced in the nineties, inputs of their presence was conveyed to security forces by those whom they harassed. This ensured success of security forces, who slowly brought their numbers down.
The cycle is now repeating itself, as jilted girlfriends, harassed locals and those seeking peace and tranquillity have begun passing information. Hence, it is not surprising that information on militants like Abu Dujana, known for harassing women in the region, was repeatedly received, but he managed to slip through the cordons.
Action by locals resorting to shut downs and bandhs on his elimination indicates a skewed approach. The man who harassed and abused local women at will was being treated as a hero. The police rightly decided that Pak sponsored and infiltrated militants like Abu Dujana do not deserve local burial, hence did it themselves.
When a militant picks up a gun, he has indicated a desire to die by it. His days are numbered. There is no militant who has ever died a natural death in Kashmir. He has either exfiltrated to Pakistan or been eliminated by security forces. In recent times, with better border management measures in place, exfiltration has become nigh impossible, hence every militant will be eliminated. Infiltration from Pak or joining militancy has become a one-way ticket and those who have picked the gun have signed their own death warrant.
If this is the reality, then those who seek to provide support, throw stones or disrupt security forces operations should realize the futility of their exercise. They may save the militant for a day, at a cost to their own lives, but he would be eliminated a few days later. He has chosen to be eliminated, hence his wish would be fulfilled by security forces.
It ultimately boils down to local youth understanding the logic, that supporting militants is risking life and limb for no reason. It is better to assist in their elimination, rather than in saving them, as they are earmarked for death anyway. The earlier this message spreads, the faster would peace return to the valley.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army