The turmoil of Kashmir which took a violent turn since 1989 militancy planned and completely aided by Pakistan with a desire to avenge liberation of Bangladesh has taken many innocent lives. The cycle of violence has remained unabated even now.
While many experts believe that with abrogation of Article 370 and breaking down the State of Kashmir into Union territories will solve the problem once and for all, however, winning the hearts and minds of Kashmiri people will be the bigger and more important challenge that can actually bring about the lasting solution to the Kashmir Problem.
What has been achieved militarily over the last three decades is nothing less than spectacular as the militancy has been brought to a naught by sacrifices of many unsung Indian Security Forces soldiers, policemen and CAPFs including many brave civilians.
The absence of foreign fighters from the scene of militancy has brought down the violence level to considerably low level. The time is ripe to take some measures on ground which amalgamates the Kashmiri population to mainstream of country without the fear of losing their Kashmiriyat or social cultural identity. However, somehow we are unable to engage them in a manner which is acceptable to all and remaining within the framework of our constitution.
What Kashmiris want?
The broad perception of us versus them needs to change in our political and social discourse. Actually more than 75% of population across the 3/4th of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir do not have any secessionist feelings at and are more than happy to reap the benefit of spectacular economic rise of our country. Even within balance 25% of population, majority of them are fence sitters and will change side which ever side emerges victorious. So essentially it is meager 8-10% of people who have to be won over. If we are able to wean away this population from above the battle of perception would have been won over and the problem of Kashmir would be resolved once and for all.
To achieve this objective is a complex process considering the ethno-religious identity, external interference and existing mistrust created by certain incidents between majority-minority populations, exacerbated by inimical agents to widen this divide. However, it is the time for people to reflect over their past glory which prevailed before militancy, analyze the losses in terms of life and property including the breakdown of social coexistence during the peak of militancy and make up their mind on the path they are willing to take here onwards.
Azadi from ?? Terrorism or Peace !
Some important facts that should be remembered Geographical, Historical, Religious, Cultural and Socio-Economic linkages of Kashmir to our country. People who are raising slogans for Azadi or in support of Pakistan must see where the country, which was founded on the basis of religion stands today? The future of that nation is so bleak that most of the affluent people are migrating to European nations. The regional and ethnic strife, and the economic divide between rich and poor has brought the country to a brink of being declared a failed State. It is also time to stop playing to the tunes of foreign nations who have no real concerns for the citizens of other country. The conditions existing in POK must act as a reminder to such people. How will the so called 'Azadi'; bring any prosperity or change in the lives of people at the grass root level? A true introspection will make it clear that it is better to remain as a part of nation which is democratic, secular, progressive and has a standing in the comity of Nations. It is also the time to reflect and see how Kashmiri youths who have travelled to other states for education, jobs or employment have prospered and how their outlook has broadened. The abrogation of Article 370, seemingly, may appear to Kashmiris, as being against their special status but it also throws open a sea of opportunity for economic and academic development. The on going operations of security forces against the militants shows the country's resolve to counter any violence propagated from outside or within and also the futility of such violence against its own people, which ruins the youth of the state and brings despondency in general population who are neutral.
The Government on its pact must also allay any fears of demographic change being forced on the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and also look at the possibility of giving special status as is in vogue for other North Eastern or hill states. The mainstream politics must also change its political discourse and be more accommodating of aspirations of local population. While being tough on militants and militant activity all endeavor must be made to win over the population by having friendly and people centric approach during these trying times. It's the time in history which must be grabbed by the people of the Kashmir to give a final blow to the militancy and herald in a new era of economic prosperity and well being of the people as part of one Nation.
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