Why a sudden spurt of violence in Jammu and KashmirIJ Unlike the past, today stone pelting at police and security forces, preventing the security in carrying out counter-insurgency operations and massive public rallies in funerals of slain militants have become rampant in the valley. The feeling of alienation among the youth in particular and other people in general have been a disturbing trend across the State for long. The successive dispensations in Delhi could have done more to prevent the hopelessness that prevails today in the State.
At the same time, Pakistan’s relentless efforts to foment violence in the State is highly condemnable. Pakistan must be given a stern warning that it has nothing to do with J&K; it should rather focus on the total lawlessness in its own country. It should not interfere in internal affairs of India for sure. It must remember that it has not been able to do anything so far since independence. Indeed, a country largely controlled by its military must ensure that its common folk gets the basic minimum rights to live a peaceful life.
However, branding the slain terrorist Burhan Wani a ’Kashmiri leader’ and comparing him with Che Guevara can never be accepted. It is surprising to see why people in general are coming out in favour of a militantIJ What will they get out of itIJ They should remember that bringing peace is the only solution for all their problems. Without offering a helping hand to both the State and the Union Government, people of J&K cannot bring home any change to their lives. Besides, the leadership of Hurriyat Conference, JKlF etc. must make an appeal to the people that dialogue is better than deadlock.
The call given by the J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to parents to rein in their children and not let them be trapped in the vicious cycle of frenzy and bloodshed is timely. Political leaders belonging to all shades must condemn the cycle of violence irrespective of their party agenda because the State badly needs development which can only be possible in a peaceful environment. Challenging the Indian State will be of no help for the locals.