As Kishtwar burns, keep leaders out
It is evident that it were agents provocateur who were initially responsible for the communal mayhem that began in Kishtwar and spread rapidly to several districts of Jammu division, including the city of temples itself which is also the winter capital of J&K.
Last Thursday, on the eve of Id-ul-Fitr, posters mysteriously appeared at a mosque in Kishtwar demanding the return of the mortal remains of Afzal Guru and JKLF leader Maqbool Butt (who was hanged decades ago). The objective was clearly to arouse communal sentiments. This was achieved the next day when communal clashes erupted right after Id prayers and two people were killed.
We should remember this was just four days after the killing of five Indian soldiers in Poonch sector, which is in the same region. Especially in the aftermath of the national outrage caused by that episode, the local authorities across Kashmir should have been alert to dangerous mischief-mongers plying their trade. They have clearly slipped up. They should have been mindful too in the light of the BSF facing mob trouble in Bhaderwah only weeks earlier and the death of innocent civilians of one community. An inquiry into the unfortunate events of the past few days in Jammu should factor in the role of anti-national mercenaries in the backdrop of the recent social instability that has been witnessed.
The Omar Abdullah government has, however, done well to stop political leaders of all parties, including his own National Conference and the Congress (that are somewhat edgy ruling allies), besides the BJP and Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP, from going to Kishtwar. The Congress and the BJP have done little to stop the communal frenzy that has gripped Jammu city in the past three days, needing the Army to come out. Then what is the point of their leaders going to Kishtwar? Their job is cut out for them right there in Jammu.
Chances are political speeches might render a delicate situation even more vulnerable, especially when the Lok Sabha polls are approaching. Back in 2008, a heightened communal situation in Jammu had led to the situation in the Valley turning progressively more fragile. The visit of NC, PDP and Congress leaders to Kishtwar has the potential to produce such a reaction in Kashmir once again.
On the whole, for now, it might be best for political elements of all stripes to steer clear of Kishtwar, the epicentre of the communal violence. They should focus on bringing calm to Jammu by working for the healing touch. That is likely to have a positive effect not only in the border regions, including Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri, but also the Kashmir Valley.
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