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| From protest politics to pragmatic approach | | Separatists' changing strategy | |
Bashir Assad
Srinagar, Apr 22: Though the politics of protest in Kashmir is not a new phenomenon at all, however, there appears to be a change of heart and that is definitely for the better. And though it is a fact that the cumulative result of various twists and turns related to the
historical socio-political and economic conditions in contemporary Jammu and Kashmir provided much scope to the separatist politics, the ever-growing desire and quest for peace has ultimately impacted the overall separatist strategy which could go a long way in shaping the political discourse in the trouble torn valley.
Tourism season has already begun and despite the fact that there were some occurrences which would have snowballed into something very potential to vitiate the atmosphere, separatists, however, wittingly circumvented the occurrences to give a flip to the tourism and education sectors. The unending hartals, protests and the subsequent curfews have affected the source of living for every individual and thus dented the economic life of Kashmiris. The educational institutions, business activities, government offices and all other essential services had been halted. How long could the poor people bear the brunt? And it was quite possible that in time there will be a serious opposite reaction to the unending strikes followed by a chain of reactions here and there. Perhaps this thing in mind, separatists this time around let many occurrences go waste.
for instance the startling revelations made by Journalists Adrian Levy and Catherine Scott-Clark, in their book "The Meadow: Kashmir 1995 - Where the Terror Began" about the 1995 abduction of five foreigners that the four Westerners were murdered by a pro-government militia group who worked for Indian security forces, would have snowballed into a major political upsurge having potential to disturb the fragile atmosphere but separatists chose the other way. Why? During the past 20 years, 600 days of strikes were observed and approximately 100000 lives were lost. The achievements and results are there for anybody to see. Even then there is no possible solution insight. The separatist movement will have to continue its thousand miles journey. To reach its desired destination, the movement must be led by the most effective, competent and charismatic leaders and not by the teenage boys.
And certainly this positive change is likely to have its impact on political and security scenario too. With India and Pakistan back on dialogue table and under the changing global scenario, the Kashmiri separatists would like to assist both to keep themselves relevant.
The change in the perception of separatists can also be attributed to the deteriorating security scenario in Pakistan which is of course making them feel that too much of their banking upon Islamabad is not always yielding. That is the reason separatist leaders
including the hard-line octogenarian Sayed Ali Geelani have started appealing civil society constituency of the country while as Mirwaiz Umer Farooq has already toured along length and breadth of the country to come closer to the people in other states.
"Let me make it very clear. We are not against the people in India. We are against the wrong policies of the Government of India in Kashmir," Mirwaiz told Early Times. He was of the opinion that establishing contact with the people and civil society would help in "removing misconceptions regarding the Kashmir problem."
"We have to change strategy as far as Kashmir is concerned, because Kashmiri forces are not in a position to drive away Indian forces," said Mirwaiz."India is able to characterize the Kashmir struggle as a conflict supported by Islamic groups, and the focus on a political settlement is drifting away. We need to shift the focus back to the real issue," he said.
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