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| Peace in the valley is the need of the Hour | | | S. Narinder Singh | 8/27/2016 10:32:37 PM |
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The current unrest in
Kashmir is grim re
minder of the failure of successive governments at the Centre and in the State. To tackle the situation in the right earnest is call of the time. The dismissal of Sheikh Mohd Abdullah in 1953 and sacking of subsequent Chief Ministers at the whims and fantasies of the rulers that be in Delhi besides erosion of J&K special status, alleged rigged elections, corruption and governance deficit are the real cause of the turmoil which is leading towards alienation of people from the mainstream.
Violence on killing of terrorist in the Kashmir Valley is not a new phenomenon. Killers of the humanity are to be dealt with sternly. How to deal with such situations, however, remains concern of the Centre as also the State Government. But unfortunately neither of the governments take such situations seriously, which manifests in collateral damages and sometimes killing of innocents.
Kashmir is on the boil again, following killing of dreaded terrorist Burhan Wani, with situation turning grave like the ones in the wake of the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru in 2013 and stone pelting in 2010 but the union and the state governments were caught unprepared to deal with the resultant situations. It is because of callous attitude of the government which led to loss of human life and public property.
It is a known fact that the opportunists, political parties, anti-national and pro-Pak elements are used to taking undue advantage of such volatile events to exploit the youth and the masses, thus disturbing the peace which is essential for the growth and development of the state and society as a whole. It is also for the authorities to assess whether public funeral of glorified terrorists is advisable or they should be quietly buried by immediate family and acquaintances.
In view of the prevailing situation, the Holy Amarnath Yatra WAS intermittently stopped. With the result, Yatris, who came from all parts of the country, suffered a lot. It is a quiet failure on the part of the PDP-BJP coalition government in the State and BJP led NDA at the centre that the yatris faced hardships. They should have been allowed to perform pilgrimage by providing full protection. It has not happened for the first time, even during the PDP-Congress coalition government the yatra got hugely impacted. In 2008 Amarnath land row agitation, Mufti Mohammed Syeed withdrew support to Ghulam Nabi Azad who was the rotational CM as per agreed formula. During that agitation also many lives were lost and damage caused to the public property. The Yatra to the holy cave is going on since centuries. It should not be politicalised by political parties like PDP, separatists and terrorists as it boosts the tourism industry of the state. Rather suitable arrangements should be made for smooth conduct of the pilgrimage by the present coalition government as some of the ministers are products of Amarnath Yatra land row.
This is not the time for war of words and blaming each other but lessons are needed to be learn from such events which will help in adopting suitable measures for crowd control. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in her first reaction during disturbances in the valley blamed enemies of the society for misleading innocent youth and prompting them to target security forces as a consequence of which they are either killed or seriously injured. If the CM is aware of the fact that such mischievous anti-national elements are always in search of opportunity for the youth to come out for protest and divert them towards security forces and police stations, why their intelligence agencies fail in identifying such disruptive and anti-national forces who are always engaged in destabilizing the country, and punish them. Mehbooba Mufti's claim that security forces were not aware about Bhuran Wani's presence during the 8th July fatal encounter is highly condemn-able. So is the assertion of Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, who described the killing of dreaded terrorist as accidental, Such observations by the Chief Minister and her deputy about killers of humanity reflects their bewilderment over the uncontrollable situation. Did the highest political executives of Jammu and Kashmir mean to say that had the security forces been in know of the identity of Burhan, he would have been presented bouquets or given a safe passage?
Under prevailing situation in the valley, more than 65 persons have been killed and 3000 injured with curfew remaining in force for 48 days. This has added to the sufferings of people. The basic need is to restore normalcy and peace for which all political parties and other non-political organizations like civil societies i.e.
civil defense, home guards and Mohalla committees, intellectuals and traders should come forward to bring normalcy and help the needy without taking any political mileage out of it.
These organizations and political parties should also assist the government in maintaining law and order and instilling confidence among the people. Whatever the cause may be, the need of the hour is to maintain peace so that further loss of valuable lives may not occur.
The media has also to play very positive and constructive role in bringing normalcy. It should always keep the interest of the country in view while projecting the events. They should not glorify the activities of the separatists or terrorists. During my posting in Police Department, I had observed that most of the journalist used to meet terrorists in their hideouts to interview and project their viewpoint. On one occasion, I had an interesting interaction with Ms Alpana Kishore of News Track when she came to interview the then DGP Mr. B.S. Bedi. When she disclosed that she had gone to a terrorist hideout to interview them, I retorted back saying that "Are you working for Pakistan which is sponsoring terrorism in our state. She replied that it is the 'business interest' of her organisation to have such interviews. I advised her that their main concern should be national interest first. Not only this, during those days C.I.D, wing of the police department, headed by the then ADG Mr. Kapoor used to bring out daily news bulletin highlighting the activities of terrorists such as their attacks on security forces locations by pin pointing the places and killing of security forces personnel/civilians. In other words, it meant officially informing Pakistan through the official news bulletins that their sponsored terrorist were doing their assigned job. I advised DGP and ADGP that such reports should have been meant for the Governor, his Advisors and Chief Secretary. There should be separate press note for the media showing the consolidated events of killings, injuries and loss of public property by the terrorists in the various parts of the state without mentioning the exact places. They agreed to my suggestions. Such disruptive anti-national forces should be curbed and dealt with sternly. CM Mehbooba Mufti's statement that the security forces or police who have used excessive force would be held accountable was followed by transferring DIG and SSP Anantanag and other police officers hurriedly in order to normalize situation. But the government should not attempt to demoralize the forces whose duty and responsibility is to maintain law and order for peace in the state. The reported statement of Mehbooba that security forces should apologise for excessive use of force is akin to promoting terrorism and encouraging secession through violent forces in the Valley. The statement attributed to the Chief Minister has not been denied so far, which gives credence to what has appeared in the newspapers. Glorification of terrorists or romanticising the separatist movement is incomprehensible. The state has no option but to deal with iron fists terrorists, their mentors and those raising anti-national slogans. The democratically elected representatives have a vital role to play in awakening the masses about evil and nefarious designs of Pakistan and anti national elements who are hell bent upon destroying peace by making innocent people fodder for gun-powder.
Such an action only reflects that the government wants the security forces and police to surrender before the mob comprising anti-national/terrorists and disruptive elements. By observing black day by the Pakistan Government and raising issue of human rights violations clearly shows that Pakistan is directly involved in supporting terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir and making all efforts to destabilize India. So, the government should confront and concentrate on the measures to save J&K from nefarious designs of anti-national elements from within and outside the country because Pakistan is frustrated due to its internal crisis. To divert the attention of its own people, Islamabad is raising the issue of Kashmir at international level in the garb of human rights violations. The rogue neighbour least bothers about discontent in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and atrocities committed by its rudderless army. By raising its voice on Bruhan's killing who is responsible for a number of killings of civilian and policemen, Pakistan has proved that it is this country which is responsible for the terrorism in the region and world through ISI.
Moreover, during my five years tenure in Police department as Special assistant to DGP from 1992 to 1997, when the militancy was at its peak in Kashmir, I happened to meet many captured and surrendered terrorists while arranging interviews of the international, national and local journalists with them at the interrogation centre. Once, I met a bearded, tall, handsome, fair complexioned terrorist from Muzaffrabad who shook hands with me on knowing that I belonged to Tehsil Bagh, Poonch area of POK. On being asked how he was lured to join this terrorism, he promptly replied that he did so on the name of Islam for Jihad. On my further inquiry about Jihad he narrated that as per their religion (Islam) if Muslims are in trouble within the radius of the 200 Km's, they have to fight for their liberation which is called Jihad. Since he disclosed that he is PhD in Pol. Science, I became more curious and asked him since he was operating in valley, what he observed in Kashmir? Are people of valley in trouble? He abruptly replied," No, not at all." They are leading a prosperous and peaceful life. Rather they are making lives of others miserable. He admitted that they were being misled by Pakistan in their training camps on the name of Jihad. He further said that Kashmiris are leading and living peaceful life whereas people of POK are in trouble and leading miserable, difficult and oppressed life. While concluding the discussions, I asked how the agencies were treating him in the captivity? Nicely, he said. Immediately, he was lost in deep thoughts and in a state of despair he said he landed in this mess due to fear. Lastly, when I asked him what he will do in case he was set free by the Indian authorities and will he join terrorism or jihad again, he said "NO".
In another interrogation centre, where local militants were kept, I inquired from one of them as to why they had chosen this path. The stock reply came, "pressure, fear of gun and intimidation by Pakistani terrorists". On gun point, they were compelled to join. I was taken aback to know details of their training. They said they were being transported as Baratis in buses up to the border where Pakistani agents used to guide them to reach the training camps by taking different routes. Again I was astonished to know about their return after training. They said they were equipped with five AK 47 rifles with ammunition, out of which they used to sell 4 in Pakistan itself and re-enter border by paying some amount to the agents.
During Governor Rule in 90s, there was a policy to bring back misguided youth to join mainstream. There were rehabilitation centers for surrendered militants to train them in various skills.
Now coming to the prevailing scenario, it is due to wrong policies of the present coalition government the situation has come to square one. The government announced clemency to 600 stone pelters who were arrested during 2010 for causing huge loss of lives and public property. Who knows they are the ones who are currently engaged in perpetual stone pelting? , The government ought to have taken precautions while taking such sensitive decisions. People of Kashmir are generally peace-loving. What to talk of guns; they have never carried even sticks to harm anybody. Prior to 1989, people used to walk late nights on roads of Kashmir. There was no fear from any side. No doubt since 1947, negligible pro-Pak and communal elements thrived in the state. I remember during 1978-79, when Z.A. Bhutto was executed by the then Pakistan President Gen. Zia-ul-Haq, large number of protest rallies were taken out in the valley which targeted Jamat-e-Islamic activists, beat them up and caused damages to their orchards and livestock. I, in my capacity as District Information Officer Doda, also became victim of that agitation as the news about attacks on Jamat-e-islami supporters was not carried by Radio Kashmir, either in Srinagar or in Jammu. I was attacked by the protesters.
The rise of terrorism in Kashmir is being attributed to alleged rigging in 1987 assembly elections in the State. Had Muslim United Front, an amalgam of radical outfits, got few seats in the course of free and fair elections, the situation would have been different. A segment of people got alienated from the mainstream and Pakistan got an opportunity to meddle in by way of launching insurgency through ISI. In August and September 1989, the terrorists became active in the Valley. From 1992 onward, their activities were strengthened by Pakistan in the Valley and gradually Jammu also got engulfed. Gradually, terrorism spread its tentacles beyond J&K and manifested in Parliament attack and Mumbai carnage, among other places. The captured terrorists involved in the heinous crime against humanity were awarded death sentence.
Political double speak has also worsened the Kashmir situation. Banking upon the support of separatists, PDP made significant inroads in politics in 2002 and Mufti Mohammed Sayeed became the Chief Minister despite his party having just 16 seats in the assembly. It behaved like opposition rather than the junior partner to Congress in the agreed upon second spell of the coalition government and fall of Ghulam Nabi Azad government in 2008 is now a part of history. Again Mufti Sayeed fought 2014 elections by toeing separatist friendly line and bashing BJP and got 28 seats. Due to political compulsion, PDP entered into political wedlock with arch rivals BJP which had emerged as most powerful party in the Jammu region. Mufti's tilt towards those other side of the fence reflected when he expressed gratitude to separatists and terrorists for having facilitated smooth 2014 elections. Now there has been change in the PDP policy as the new Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has been blaming Pakistan for Kashmir unrest. Mufti Sayeed never gave the statements which Mehbooba Mufti is currently issuing.
Even Omar Abdullah, grandson of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah who spent 22 years of prime life in jails, could not fulfill the aspirations of the people during his tenure as Chief Minister between 2008 and 2014. However, his charismatic father Dr Farooq Abdullah had and continues to have a support base among the people of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. Lack of performance led National Conference to political debacle in 2014 elections, both Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly. Even charismatic Dr Farooq also lost his Srinagar Lok Sabha seat.
The wavering policies of the so-called mainstream parties have brought Kashmir to current passé. Such is the credibility deficit of mainstream parties that none of them is able to douse the current Kashmir fire. PDP is confused and virtually frustrated over the sequence of events. BJP lawmakers and ministers have confined themselves to inaugurations and launching of second-grade petty projects. None of the coalition partners has been able to reach out suffering people in Kashmir. But for one visit of the Chief Minister, no political leader of any consequence stood by the side of common masses during the testing time. Politics ruled roost during the ongoing turbulence. Omar Abdullah refused to participate in the all party meet convened by the Chief Minister.
Despite their own fillip flops, the entire mainstream in Kashmir stands for dialogue with Pakistan, knowing well how the rogue neighbor has back stabbed, be it Kargil or ceasefire violations on LoC or International Border. Islamabad never responded to hand of friendship offered by New Delhi. Therefore, peace with Pakistan seems a remote possibility, as that country is openly supporting terror by describing Burhan Wani as a martyr and Kashmir's freedom fighter. This is open challenge to India and direct interference in its internal affairs. Therefore, for the time being, India and the so-called Kashmiri mainstream leaders should forget about bonhomie with Pakistan as of now, though dialogue alone is a way forward to sorting out problems; be it Islamabad or separatists in Kashmir.
Keeping in view the current turmoil in the Valley, which has spread its tentacles in parts of Jammu also, the Centre and the State Government must concentrate on bringing peace in Kashmir. When situation becomes normal, a process should be set in motion to address the problems without compromising India's security interests and sovereignty of the nation. It is for the members of civil societies and other non political organizations from Kashmir too to lend helping hand in ending the current spate of violence, lest blood bath will have no end, which is not in the interest of the nation as also for the peace loving people in Kashmir. As part of India, it is incumbent upon the national leadership to assuage aspirations of all segments of the society, especially the angry youth. Protests, violence or gun is no solution to problems. Dialogue alone can steer the Valley from prevailing morass. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also hinted towards this in immense measure by saying Kashmir problems will be dealt in the spirit of Kashmiriyat, Insaanyat and Jamhooriat. |
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