The past month has been volatile in Jammu and Kashmir. Arguably the most disturbing aspect has been the death of 10 people in a single month, several of them stone-pelting teenagers, in incidents of firing by the state police and CRPF besieged by rampaging mobs. The situation is pregnant with negative probabilities, particularly with
the annual Amarnath yatra already under way. If pilgrims are attacked by pro-Pakistan elements in the Valley, or by terrorist modules, the situation can only worsen. Tourist and trade associations in Kashmir have said they will be ready with their traditional hospitality toward the Hindu pilgrims who travel to the cave shrine near Pahalgam in south Kashmir. There has never been any doubt about the feeling of genuine warmth of Kashmir’s Muslim majority toward the visiting devotees. The trouble lies with the unpredictable ways of extremist and separatist politics, which tends to take its cue from Pakistan.
In periods of tension the Valley’s mainstream parties and politicians are easily cowed into submission. The best way they know not to incur the wrath of militant elements is to issue statements that lend themselves to pro-extremist or anti-Indian propaganda. With votes in mind, they also believe — wrongly — that the best way to curry favour with the public is to acquiesce with the atmosphere of tension created by extremist elements. This was evident not long ago when the situation was sought to be destabilised after the death by drowning in a stream of two young women in south Kashmir, and earlier in the wake of the frenzy whipped up on false pretexts over building shelters for Amarnath pilgrims. We should not be surprised now if mainstream regional parties abdicate their responsibility, and prefer not to take a reasoned stand. They slip back to normal functioning only when the people themselves show the way.
Contrary to what some are led to believe by propagandistic rhetoric, it is the people of the Valley who come to the aid of the government in the final analysis. This is most evident at election time. However, if ordinary folk are to distance themselves from the wildfire expectations engendered from time to time by the tiny minority of desperate pro-Pakistan elements, they must have confidence that the government works for them. This was far from being the case when an Army officer in north Kashmir allegedly orchestrated the shooting of three innocent villagers in cold blood about a month ago. It was this which led to the chain of protests and violent events, which are yet to wind down. The officer in question has been suspended. In all fairness, he should be prosecuted before the law. When he allegedly organised the killing of innocent villagers, he was not acting in the line of duty. Such men in uniform must not enjoy protection under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act if they go trigger-happy, and at one stroke destroy a persisting state of calm. This is needed to give the political atmosphere in the Valley a lift.
In a recent interview to this newspaper, chief minister Omar Abdullah implied that a dialogue could be forged with the separatists in the post-Thimphu climate, since India and Pakistan were themselves talking. His expectation was that Pakistan might give them the green signal which they usually need. Clearly, Mr Abdullah’s optimism has been belied. The Centre might also draw the necessary conclusions about Pakistan’s current orientation in the light of recent events in Kashmir.
New Delhi would do well to support the Abdullah government when it is sought to be brought under siege by hostile elements. This is best not done by urging sending state ministers to trouble spots, but by taking actions that might east the pressure on the Kashmir government.