Kashmir Is A Victim Of Terrorism – OpEd

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Kashmir in India, which is blessed with bountiful natural beauty, has the potentials to be one of the most attractive tourist paradise in the world. People of Kashmir, known for their enterprising attributes and pleasant nature, have always been receiving the tourists from all over the world with warmth and friendly attitude, making them feel comfortable and at home. Unfortunately, this beautiful land is now facing turmoil, unrest and is undergoing strain.

Even while vast majority of the Kashmiris want to live in peaceful and progressive conditions, separatist elements and terrorists are making the life of Kashmir citizens painful. Kashmir is now a victim of terrorism.

There is huge concern in India about the violent happenings in Kashmir and many wonder about the shape of things to come. The Modi government has been trying to find meaningful solution to the issues and have offered several economic and social packages to improve the situation in Kashmir and make the life better for people. But, the terrorists do not want this to happen and are doing everything possible to disrupt the peace and harmony in the state, by whipping up feelings of hatred against India and attacking the law enforcement agencies and innocent people.

There are some elements in Kashmir who want separate state and some other elements who want to join Pakistan, while voice of the vast majority of people remain unheard by the world media. Whenever opportunities are given to the people to explain their views about the state of affairs, they have responded positively , as evident from the way that the people participated in the electoral process and exercised their franchise. Recently, there have been huge response from the youth of Kashmir to join Indian army during the recruitment process.

Obviously, the Government of India is facing serious problem here, as the terrorists seem to be having their way and they are indulging in unchecked violence and guerilla warfare at their will. While it is very well known that people of Kashmir do not subscribe to the demand of the separatists and terrorists, the dilemma of Government of India is to how to tackle the terrorists who mix with the people and these terrorists have no scruples and carry on with their campaign based on hatred and disruptive tactics. They have faith only in violence.

What is happening in Kashmir today is a war against terrorism and terrorists, who get training, financial and military support from across the border and from other countries. This is not a conventional war, where one would clearly know the enemies to be hit. In the case of Kashmir, violent prone terrorists mix with the people and also systematically brain wash the youth and it has become difficult for security agencies to hit the terrorists without hitting the innocent people. Some youth and students are now reported to be pelting stones and obviously, they have been systematically brain washed by the terrorist elements.

India is a democratic country with almost unchecked media freedom and liberty for people. Often , some sections of people indulge in sectarian activities and indulge in negative rhetorics and they are allowed to do so in the name of individual freedom and liberty and what is now frequently termed in India as “fundamental rights”.

Many observers around the world are surprised that separatist elements and known leaders of terrorist groups are almost freely allowed to roam in Kashmir, issue statements and provide interviews to the media. It appears that Modi government is fighting in Kashmir with one hand tied , due to the democratic form of governance.

Now, the options for the Modi government appear to be limited. It has to necessarily put down the terrorists and separatist forces with heavy hand. If such elements would get support from across the border , then the bases from which they derive the support has to be attacked and destroyed and the supply line should be effectively cut. There appears to be no other way, since the terrorist elements are not amenable to reason and it seems that they can understand only force. India has to be prepared to pay the necessary price for this essential and inevitable step.

Any continued success of terrorists in Kashmir rings warning bell for all countries around the world , as continued success of terrorists in Kashmir would amount to success of terrorism in the world.

It is also necessary that the vast majority of people of Kashmir, who are helplessly watching the situation, should introspect as to what would happen to their dear land, if the present disturbing conditions would continue. Kashmir would face a horrible situation, in the unfortunate scenario of present status changing and the future generation of Kashmiris will not forgive the present generation for allowing any negative changes to happen.

It is high time that the world community understand the problems faced by Government of India in dealing with terrorist elements in Kashmir and extend support.

N. S. Venkataraman

N. S. Venkataraman is a trustee with the "Nandini Voice for the Deprived," a not-for-profit organization that aims to highlight the problems of downtrodden and deprived people and support their cause. To promote probity and ethical values in private and public life and to deliberate on socio-economic issues in a dispassionate and objective manner.

2 thoughts on “Kashmir Is A Victim Of Terrorism – OpEd

  • May 10, 2017 at 2:47 am
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    Our Central Govt has failed. When thousands get angry (among them schooll GIRLS) it it is Govt failure

    OZA

    Reply
  • May 15, 2017 at 3:29 am
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    The author shows a surprising lack of any basic understanding of Kashmir issue. Consider the facts below:

    # This is oft repeated statement : “Kashmir is an integral part of India.” Ask any average valley resident. The reply is an unequivocal No. Having said that, Kashmir issue is very complex and needs deep political engagement which successive Indian governments have failed except Mr Vajpayee and to a certain extent the previous government. A near intractable issue needs participation on all sides that includes Pakistan. There is no easy answer.
    # In the polling held in Srinagar on April 9 this year, the percentage was 7 percent and yet results were declared. In any other democracy, the result would have declared void.

    # Why does the issue always gets a look only from Security angle? Yes, Pakistan is a rogue state and indulges in proxy war. That needs a response fittingly. According to government, there are only about 200 to 300 militants in Kashmir. Then why do you need about 700,000 security forces? Answer is simple: it is to control and subordinate the local population.

    I say all this because I have spent time talking to locals that includes a cross section of people in the valley.

    Reply

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