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| What have separatists gained by on-going agitation? | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Oct 19: The on-going agitation in Kashmir today completed four months and twelve days. While the loss of lives cannot be compensated by any means, the separatists believe they have succeeded in making a strong political statement this summer.
Life came to a halt on June 7 when separatists called for a strike to protest arrival of Prime Minister in Srinagar. Since then strikes became a regular feature. The government responded by imposing curfew every now and then. The one time paradise on earth lost its tourist season and education to strikes and curfews. More than 110 persons lost their lives and around 1500 police personnel (CRPF men included) sustained injuries. The Valley also loses around 156 crores on every strike or curfew day.
What, therefore, have the separatists gained? There is no denying the fact that the International Community focused its attention on Kashmir yet again. A few stories appeared in the New York Times and the Guardian. The Indian civil society also issued a few statements. The Chief Minister rejected totality of accession and called Kashmir an international dispute. What difference have these developments made?
The Prime Minister of Pakistan recently said that its stand on Kashmir had been acknowledged. By whom? He did not say? However, things are clear on this side of the Redcliff Line. The Home Minister said the state had acceded to India in special circumstances and needed a special approach. New Delhi did not dispute Omar's speech in the Legislative Assembly. But what has changed? For New Delhi Jammu Kashmir continues to be an integral part of India. The chalo calls are not "evoking" the desired response. The government has succeeded in enforcing its writ especially after Eid-ul-Fitr.
Who has won and who has lost? If the separatists have succeeded in "making a strong political statement", the government has also conveyed a strong message-Geelani cannot call the shots in conflict torn Kashmir. The real loser is the commoner. He has been deprived of his livelihood, education and peace of mind.
Geelani says four out of his five demands have been accepted. If this is true, then he needs to change strategy. According to political circles, he must learn to differentiate between agitation and movement. "Strikes cannot continue till independence if at all Kashmir gets it. A leader must have the courage to rectify errors. Gandhi displayed this courage repeatedly. When the Salt agitation turned violent Gandhi did not only withdraw it but tendered an apology as well." |
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