Take steps, end killings in Valley

The latest phase of violence has claimed the lives of over 60 people, blinded over 100 others and injured thousands in Kashmir in the past about six weeks. Curfew and ban orders have been in force in most parts of the Valley for most of these days. But the protests and unrest which started after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani by security forces have only been growing. Nothing that the government has said or done has had any impact on the situation. Both the Centre and the state government have to think of ways and take measures to bring down the level of violence. The prime minister and others have found the involvement of Pakistan and issued warnings to that country. But blaming Pakistan is no real solution. The present situation is more homegrown than choreographed from across the border. Use of more force and imposition of more restrictions will alienate the people further.

Only an increase and widening of engagement with the people, and all sections of society, can help the Indian cause in Kashmir. This is easier said than done. India’s Kashmir policy has always been full of unlearnt lessons and lost or ill-used opportunities. Vajpayee’s ‘Insaniyat’ approach was well taken but stalled on the ground. The UPA government tried to carry it forward but failed and violence and unrest only aggravated in 2008 and 2010. A new framework and approach may be needed to talk to the present generation of protesters who are young and angry. They do not seem to be under the control of the Hurriyat or other leaders. The protests actually have no leader. There is deep distrust of Delhi in Kashmir and so even the opening of a line of communication channel may not be easy. An all-party effort may be better for this than a government initiative. The heavy security set-up will have to be lightened and confidence-building measures like selective withdrawal of restrictions and stringent laws will be needed to earn the people’s trust. Such a course may be against the natural instincts of the present government but there does not seem to be any better course.

Ultimately, Kashmir may have to be given more autonomy than it has now. It does not have the degree of autonomy it had at the time of accession. Many promises made then and later have been violated. There is room for a more autonomous Kashmir within the Indian union. A lasting solution will also, in the long run, call for the involvement of Pakistan. Only a realistic, honest, humane and political approach will help India in Kashmir. Coercive policies and actions, rhetoric and warnings can only hurt.