Any nation is as strong as its institutions.
The Kashmir issue is a complex and a multi-dimensional one where there has been a constant debate with respect to its history and its future trajectory. The region has been plagued by violence, political instability and terrorism for the past several decades fueled mainly by direct and indirect support from adversaries across the border. Kashmir has always seen waves of unrest due to a set of triggers, exaggerated by the corrupt elite of Gupkar Road and the like.
The Indian government over the years has indeed taken several measures to try and find a lasting solution in Kashmir, among which were the recent abrogation of Article 370 and empowerment of grass root democracy through DDC elections. Restoration of statehood and electing a new legislative assembly under the Indian constitution is underway, which will give more power to the people. Moreover, the robust judicial and legal system in India provides ample avenues to seek redressal and justice. As they say, any nation is as strong as its institutions.
But in all this complexity and chaos, if there is one entity that has helped maintain some semblance of order and stability, it’s been the Indian Army. The Indian Army is built on the foundations of integrity, selfless service, respect, professionalism, ethics, leadership and accountability. It works under the toughest conditions and stringent laws where there is very little margin of error. The army is strictly bound by its military law and works under the constitutional framework of the country. Terrorists and criminals have no morals and can cross the line as they please, but not the Indian Army. The rules of engagement are clearly laid out and are strictly followed in every single operation. Avoiding collateral damage has always remained a priority of the Army even at the peril of own casualties while conducting operations. The Army’s tactics and methods are also evolving to become more people friendly. But in order to keep the business of terrorism alive, power-hungry elites and their networks start spreading fake news about unethical operations and provoke the local population playing religious cards.
In any “conflict zone” across the world, where an army is deployed, there is invariably a humanitarian crisis and crimes against women and children. Take Afghanistan, Syria or the Uighur crisis in the Xinjiang autonomous region for example, the war crimes and discrimination of minorities is extremely disheartening. But this is not the case in Kashmir. The armed forces are highly accountable to the citizens of India, including Kashmiris. Not even a minor violation can escape the watchful eye of the law. Also, the conduct of the Indian Army and confidence building measures over the years has paid dividends in terms of the moral perception of the Army among Kashmiris.
The success of any counter insurgency/ counter terrorism operation can be measured by three main factors – the perception of the people, number of terrorists eliminated/ over ground networks busted and most importantly, the rate of new recruitment. Breaking the seemingly never ending cycle of violence was a big challenge, but the Indian Army in recent years has focused its efforts to this end and the declining numbers of new recruits speak for themselves. Persuading the youth away from the gun culture and into the mainstream economy is helping the rise of Kashmir as a future leader in Tourism, Art and Agriculture.
The Indian Army is not just a fighting force but a key component of nation building. Apart from counter terrorism operations, they have also conducted several humanitarian operations and goodwill projects like flood relief operations, medical camps for the underprivileged, promotion of sports and identifying and nurturing talent in various fields. The Army is always at the service of its citizens.
The Indian Army has grown through years of experience and is steeped in rich traditions and legacy. Such a competent, just, unbiased and moral army is an asset to the nation and it has always lived up to the motto – “Awaam aur Jawan – Aman hai Mukam”.
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