Amit Kumar Singh
Kashmir is a mosaic of many fault lines and controversies. Often, while strategizing some attention is given to Kashmiris yet maximum focus is always biased towards fighting Pak germinated terrorism. While doing so, a fact which often gets missed out is that elimination of Kashmiri terrorists who have picked up weapon for the cause he and his folks believe to be right is going to cause more unrest and therefore, jeopardies the long time over-all perspective. Therefore, for epoch-making step towards resolution of Kashmir, the approach should be oriented towards Kashmiris and not the land of Kashmir.
Challenges Faced by People of Kashmir
Kashmiris have very limited sources of revenue generation & can be virtually counted on fingers, i.e. farming, handicraft and tourism with all being at the mercy of weather Gods and security situation. His expectations of an uninterrupted source of income to lead a normal life with dignity is not being met. Further, coupled with apathy of civil administration, the development has been delayed. His aspiration of sports facility for children education and employment are being compromised on daily basis which substantiate his belief in freedom. He also faces alienation at national level due to bias of citizen of India against Kashmiri youth where he is out for education and jobs. Any adverse situation in Kashmir results in attack on local Kashmiris settled in rest of the country sending tremors of fears back at home. Presence of security forces at every corner due to terrorist threat restricts his freedom in comparison to freedom enjoyed by the rest of Indians.
Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A was painted as imperative for his existence has resulted in alienation. Government saw it as an obstruction to development. However, lack of significant development post abrogation of said articles has further dismayed him.
Challenges faced by Govt Local youth joining terrorism has posed unprecedented challenges to the Govt as their elimination ends with a wave of protest. Geographical location, apathy of Govt employees, security situation and absence of large corporate players impedes development.
Radicalization of youth by preachers who have their own agenda has cascading effect. Absence of local leaders aligned with one nation policy further adds to conundrum. Their proclivity towards Pakistan adds fuel to fire.
Solution to Kashmir Issue
Though the solution to Kashmir problem has to come from residents of Kashmir yet Govt has to facilitate the process. To counter radicalization, madrasas need to be tackled by recruiting sponsored clerics clandestinely with established credentials. Opening of Army Public Schools, Sainik Schools, Military Schools and making NCC mandatory in schools and colleges will counter radicalisation in education. In addition, the aspirations of people have to be meet by realistic development such as Metro facility connecting Kupwara, Srinagar, Budgam, and Bandipora and opening up of Malls and Multiplexes. Infrastructure development will lead to opening of jobs for unskilled labors and thereby addressing the issue of unemployment.
Endeavor should be made to generate woman specific employment which will change the narrative of Kashmir. Reducing visibility of Armed Forces and CAPF is one more challenge for Govt. A Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) be raised from Kashmiri Pandits, Shias, Gujjars and Bakarwals. They be provided training at any of the Regimental Centers location in mainland followed by police training at Jammu. These persons be employed for ROPs while keeping Army and CRPF as reserve for military actions and elimination of terrorists.
A comprehensive media management will act as force-multiplier in resolution of Kashmir conflict. Media be advised that debate on Kashmir should be only for development purpose and not otherwise. Also, no panelist from Pak be invited for debate on Kashmir. No media coverage be given to separatist leaders. Also, debates should be conducted on atrocities by Pakistan on citizens of POK.
To fill the void in leadership, Kashmiri persons working outside the valley with affinity for country be identified and such people be recruited by national parties and be made a prominent face. They should be part of the development drive in Kashmir and be given important portfolios oriented towards Kashmir. Additionally, retired army persons be inducted in regional political parties.
Early realization that Awaam centric approach can only yield dividends will entail a robust mechanism to address realistic concerns of the populace. A robust development plan, pro-active media management, woman empowerment , development of leadership and counter radicalization is the need of the hour. Kinetic operations can control menace of terrorism but can’t eliminate it. Therefore, all efforts must be made to to make the Awaam prosperous to achieve complete integration of Kashmir with India.
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