Arun Joshi
An answer has to be found to get Jammu and Kashmir out of the fresh spell of terrorism which is threatening hard-earned normalcy. The frequency of terror attacks and the gun battles has increased creating a crisis of confidence, almost on the pattern of fidayeen attacks in late 1990s and early 200s. The answer lies in bipartisan approach at the national level, invoking the stake holing capacity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the idea of India, and saying good bye to ad-hocism in security establishment’s thinking at the local level.
The army will have to refine and redefine its approach. Consistency should prevail and the strategic objectives should be clear. A clarity is needed. The change of course with the change in the local commanders is not in the strategic interest. Army must sit and decide how to address the problems as to how to tackle the menace of terrorism coming from across the border, helped and facilitated by some sections among locals. It is impossible for any type of terrorists to operate without the local support base. The best way forward is to cease thinking that it is a problem of Particular area or region, the fact is that it is a national problem.
At a microscopic level, the terror attacks are being read on the map of Jammu region with an inference that the militants under pressure from the security forces have shifted their attention and action to Jammu region where their presence is not as high as in the Valley. That is primarily because Jammu region stayed safe and peaceful in the past more than 12 years. This presumption is partly correct as the whole picture is not visible to the observers who want to see it as a region-specific problem. That’s what Pakistan wants them to see because keeping valley out of radar serves Islamabad to showcase that it is not hurting their economic interests or creating life-threatening situation as a result of reprisals.
In Jammu region, too, terrorists barring two attacks, one in Reasi district on June 9, and Hiranagar in Kathua district next day, have been targeting security forces. Two of the deadliest attacks were in Lohai Malhar in Kathua district on July 8, and in Dessa in Doda district on July 15. Five soldiers were killed in Kathua, and four soldiers and a policeman in Doda. The attacks on the army fit into terrorists’ plan to create a crisis of confidence. Without hitting the civilians, terrorists instill fear in the population.
The ripple effect of striking at army soldiers is felt all across the country, primarily in the villages and towns to which the soldiers who die in ambushes and gun battles belong to. Since the attacks cannot be hidden, the public manifests its feelings on two tracks- punish the terrorists and disappointment over the way things are happening. The nation’s pain stems from the loss of soldiers who represent face of the Indian nation and its strength. Alongside, they worry about the loss of the normalcy and peace that Government of India brought with so much of effort to Jammu and Kashmir that was in the grip of secessionism and terrorism for more than 30 years. The return of peace is attributed to the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which is true also, but now the return of terrorism inspires different feelings as well.
Jammu and Kashmir is a place where the whole nation has invested so much. It is a territory where more than 5,000 security personnel sacrificed their lives. They came from different parts of the country with different backgrounds, and retrieving Kashmir from Pakistan and its agents was the common feature dotting their mission. The Indian nation has sent lakhs of tourists to Kashmir, by one account about 20 million in the past two years, enriching the local economy and creating stakes for the people in the idea of India. Tourism travels beyond economy; it enriches social and communal bonds. It also encourages the local population to think positively and turn their back to terrorism and other negativities. The revival of terrorism would hurt everything, and it will give little chance to the real stakeholders to have their say in developing a positive narrative about the place and people.
At this point in time what is needed is a real assessment of the situation wherein no colours are added and exaggerated narratives are shunned. The single-handed approach that Delhi knows best should open to accommodation as to what Kashmir wants. It cannot be that single-handed approach would yield results, the peace thought and process should percolate down to the body and soul of the people. The visible peace is different from the inner sense of peace. Unless Delhi and J&K share the same perception and ideology of peace, terrorism will always find a space to operate.
The government and the opposition must come together to devise a common policy on Kashmir. This consensus is also needed to convey to the world, as also to enemies of the nation across the border that the whole Indian nation is one and stands united on the issue of Kashmir. There is no disagreement that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and it has to be protected and saved from Pakistan sponsored terrorism. The two sides also have no difference of opinion that it is the terrorism exported from Pakistan that is the real danger. And the recent attacks have shown that Pakistan has not given up its sinister plans.
A bipartisan approach would also make the people of Jammu and Kashmir will also deliver results on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir as the people would understand that how the whole nation is working as one for them. That is critical feature.
Disclaimer: This is the personal opinion of the author. The views expressed in this write-up have nothing to do with www.prameyanews.com.
