Keep focus on separatist mischief, infiltration
The recent meeting of senior Kashmiri separatist leaders is only the latest in a series of red flags that have come up in recent months, pointing to a major socio-political crisis brewing in the valley. The leaders called for a complete shutdown of Kashmir today and after-prayer protests on Friday. Their immediate ‘grievances' relate to the proposal to establish Sainik colonies and Kashmiri Pandit townships in valley, and the plan to set up a national council that will promote the Devanagari script and the almost-extinct Sharada script for the Kashmiri language, among others. Viewed in isolation, these are part of ordinary life and politics in Kashmir, and can be handled without much trouble. The larger problem, however, becomes evident when one places these developments against the backdrop of the security and social churn that is happening in Kashmir. There is no doubt that elements within and outside Kashmir are putting up a comprehensive effort to bring in a fresh and bigger wave of militancy and terrorism in the valley. On the one hand, infiltration from Pakistan has increased, as the chief of the Northern Command confirmed earlier this week. And the numbers are expected to grow, especially as an increasingly isolated Pakistan, whose hefty aid package from the US stands threatened and its double game in the war on terror exposed, seeks to get back in the game through proxy attempts in Kashmir.
Within the valley, there is tension in the air with civilians pitted against security personnel. On Monday, three policemen were shot in the heart of Srinagar, in two separate attacks, 90 minutes apart. Such targeted attacks are rare, and point to increasingly radicalisation in the valley. locals, including many from south Kashmir, are joining the militancy in worrying numbers. When militants are killed, their burial processions attract several thousands of mourners. During terror attacks, locals block security personnel from doing their jobs while mosques blare anti-India propaganda on loud speakers. A new generation of Kashmiri militants is coming of age. Born into the chaos and bloodshed of the 1990s, when militancy was at its peak, this generation of young Kashmiris is angry, traumatised and disillusioned, guided by separatists’ propaganda. It is also educated, well-connected through social media, and frequently unemployed like 21-year-old Burhan Ahmed Wani, a district commander for the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and the poster boy of this new generation. Wani, who has one million rupee bounty on his head, and his brother, who was recently killed by security forces, are superstars in Kashmir today.
However, this battle is just getting started and the Indian state is still in a position to secure the interests of its people. From a security perspective, the numbers are manageable and there is no reason why fighters on the ground can't be brought under control. The bigger challenge is responding to the social unrest. For this, the new State Government will have to deliver on its promises, and quickly. Also, the Government should pick its battles carefully so as not to alienate sections of society that are already suspicious of the BJP-PDP alliance. For example, the plan to promote the old Kashmiri script, even if well-intentioned, is bound to create controversy. It can be postponed for a later date.