There appears to be more than meets the eye
The situation in Kashmir, where tensions ran high following the death of four civilians in clashes with the Army over two days, is worrisome. It must be handled with care and sensitivity, so that it doesn't spiral out of control. Slice it whichever way you want, relations between the Army and the average Kashmiri is a complicated and emotive issue. Even minor allegations against the Armed Forces, no matter whether they are true or false, can spark a wild fire across the valley. This time last year, for example, when police opened fire at a protesting mob, killing a teenager, there was unrest in the valley for several days. This must be avoided. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who has only recently taken charge, must step up and lead from the front. When in New Delhi recently, she met with the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister and presumably discussed the issue at hand. Her administration, of course, enjoys the full support of the Union Government and she must marshal all the resources of the State to ensure that the matter is taken to its logical conclusion. The death of the four civilians is a tragedy indeed and those responsible for this unnecessary loss of lives must be held accountable. Clashes between the public and security personnel are, unfortunately, a routine affair in Kashmir — and there are standard operating procedures in place to deal with such situations. If the security personnel went beyond their brief with a disproportionate response, they must be brought to trial. By the same token, if investigations reveal that the response was by the book, then that too should be highlighted.
It is important to keep in mind that the action on Tuesday and Wednesday was not unprovoked. On both days, security personnel were attacked by mobs and police posts vandalised and set on fire. This, in turn, was the result of allegations that a soldier had molested a young woman. These charges are currently being investigated and there is no point in speculating about them now. However, it is possible that there is an element of mischief in all of this, as the victim herself has said that she was not molested by an Army man. Now, it is possible that she is making this statement under duress, but it equally possible that the official statement she has made to the police is correct that she was harassed by a group of civilian youths who did not approve of the fact that she had gone to a washroom near a military bunker. Reportedly, it is these youths who then spread the molestation rumour and went on a rampage. They pelted stones at the bunker and set a shed on fire. In response, security forces opened fire, killing two youngsters. A stray bullet also hit an elderly woman, walking away from the protesters. She succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday. Also on Wednesday, as protests continued over the deaths, a fourth civilian lost his life upon being hit by a teargas shell.
Clearly, this matter has already gone beyond the alleged molestation case that started it all (although, the authorities must get to the bottom of that story as well). The immediate focus now must be on restoration of law and order. Much of Kashmir is still shut down, mobile Internet has been switched off and public vehicles are off the roads. This is hardly conducive for long-term peace.