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| J&K: A possible breeding ground for terrorism? | | | Karan Bandesha | 9/14/2011 8:18:57 PM |
| The investigation into the bomb blast at New Delhi on 07 September, being conducted by none other than the mighty National Investigation Agency, has hit a blind alley. The agency has been tracking a series of E-mails claiming responsibility for the attack, of which, one originated from Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir. This E-mail claimed that the attack was carried out by a terror organisation Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) which has a foot print in J&K. The attempt by the security agencies to arrest those in Kishtwar said to be responsible for sending the E-mail met with wide protests. The government of J&K has also registered a plea that arrests of State subjects by central agencies be made only after consultations with the State government.
Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, it cannot be denied that this incident has, once again, brought the terror links of Kashmir into focus. This development in the wake of a very successful tourist season, a long spell of the elusive normalcy and general improvement of economic activity across the State, is bound to have a negative impact which could possibly undo whatever has been achieved in the last few months. It will negate the goodwill that has been earned by the successful tourist season.
Terror in India is predominantly handled by the ISI, whose strategists take the last call on the group to be chosen for a particular operation. The modules for attacks are selected on case to case basis depending upon its importance and intensity. Kashmir has always been an important link in the terror chain of the ISI. Whenever other options fail, it is towards Kashmir that the ISI turns. Presently, the well laid out web that the ISI was operating from Bangladesh seems to be falling apart. The Sheikh Hasina led government has reached out to India and as a proof of its good intentions it has taken credible steps to stop terrorist activity against India from its soil. The Indian government has also responded in equal measure and none less that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has visited the country. This will further cement Indo-Bangladesh relations and will also drive the last nail in the coffin of terror sponsored from that route. To overcome this adversity the focus of terror strategists is likely to, once again, shift to tried and tested Kashmir. The latest blast in Delhi and the possible Kishtawar link is testimony to this.
Why is it that the ISI can depend upon Kashmir for its nefarious activities? Because it has, over a period of time, created a large number of bases manned by over ground workers and sleeper cells over there; because it has a small cadre of foreign terrorists who can force civilians to obey their diktats on fear of reprisal, these foreign terrorists also have a capability, albeit limited, to recruit indegenuous manpower for terror activity within Kashmir and beyond. It is such human resource assets supported by war like stores like bomb making material, sound communication and manpower trained in the use of explosives that provide to the ISI the capability that it is looking for. One must not forget the most well trained, motivated and experienced terrorists in India are active in Kashmir. They are also a role model for extremists across the nation. Due to the emerging normalcy and increased commercial activity these assets can move in and out of Kashmir frequently and unobtrusively. This mobility gives to them a pan-Indian capability. How many checks and balances can be put in place? There is a limit to what the Police can do.
What is the solution to this new and emerging problem? The ideal solution is to work towards eradicating the remnants of terror from Kashmir. The support base created by inimical forces should be totally demolished. This is a long term challenge which will require a sustained effort before the last shove is given. The people of Kashmir, the government and the security forces have to get together and generate the will to do so. In the meanwhile an enhanced status of vigilance in which the people play a predominant role, better intelligence acquisition and sustained pressure on terrorist infrastructure is absolutely necessary.
The situation requires a mature and adept handling by all stake holders, including the people of the country and the central government, who should understand the complexity of the problem and deal with it in a befitting manner. Most importantly, it has to be understood that a blame game will give no benefits, only joint effort will bear fruit. It is also evident that J&K has a long way to go before absolute normalcy becomes a reality so harping on the same is counterproductive. The important and continuing role of the security forces has to be accepted and all possible cooperation has to be extended to them. In fact, the time has come to increase the security threshold rather than decrease it. The State Police has to be energised, the other elements of security have to be given the confidence to put in their best and an enabling environment to push terrorism out once and for all has to be created
For the last few decades Kashmir has been suffering at the hands of extremism. Whole generations have grown up under the shadow of violence. The coming generations must not lose the opportunities that, at long last, are open to them. The state cannot afford to lose its share of growth and development to some disgruntled elements surviving on inimical support from across and, to an extent, within the State.
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