KASHMIR HAS WITNESSED ENOUGH TERRORISM :ITS HEALING TIME NOW
Intro.
Throughout ancient times, the beautiful valley of Kashmir has stood for peace, religions of diversity and intellectual advancement. During modern times also the same diversity existed as is evident from the co-existence of Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism in Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. In the late 1980s, an armed insurgency in the Valley fuelled by Pakistan threatened to rip Kashmir apart.
Reasons For The Insurgency.
There are numerous reasons which led to the growth of insurgency in the valley. This includes both intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. The important factors are as enumerated below :-
(a) The Princely State of Jammu & Kashmir. The kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir was ruled by their Dogra Hindu Maharaja. Kashmiri Muslims felt that they were discriminated under the Dogra rule. Religious Muslim leaders in Kashmir were against the British missionary schools brought by maharaja to educate poor and illiterate Kashmir Muslims. Therefore, most Kashmiris remained formally uneducated. People of Kashmir had a lot of faith in young Maharaja Hari Singh but he lost touch with his subjects.
(b) Muslim conference. In 1931, a fierce propaganda campaign was started from Lahore against Maharaja rule. They proclaimed that Islam was in danger in Kashmir. Sheikh Abdullah was influenced by this narrative. He was arrested in July 1931 for an anti-government speech he gave and further rose to prominence in the following years. In 1939, Sheikh Abdullah changed the name of Muslim conference to National Conference to give party a secular colour to incite Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists against the Maharaja.
(c) The Freedom Struggle. In 1946, Abdullah gave his famous “Quit Kashmir” speech against the Tyranny of Dogra Maharaja in July 1947. Mahatma Gandhi visited Kashmir and wished for its accession to India. However, Maharaja Hari Singh could not decide between India and Pakistan.
(d) An Independent Kashmir. Kashmir became an independent nation following partition in Aug 1947 to soon decide its future. Various political parties in Kashmir desired for accession with Pakistan. National Conference party leader Sheikh Abdullah signed standstill agreement with both India and Pakistan to save time for Kashmiris to decide their future.
(e) Accession To India. On Oct 22, 1947 Pakistan invaded Kashmir that led to brutal ransacking of towns and mass killings. Maharaja Hari Singh sent Sheikh Abdullah as his representative to Delhi to seek India’s help and in turn signed the statement of Accession. Indian forces were flown to Kashmir. By end of 1948, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was split between India and Pakistan. Sheikh Abdullah however had preferred an Independent Kashmir Nehru had publicly stated in 1948 that the Kashmiri people should have a plebiscite to confirm their accession to India.
(f) Islamization of Kashmir began with full force in 1980. Kashmir pundits ware referred to as Mukbirs or informers. Saudi Arabia’s influences came to fore. Several madrassas were set up. Kashmiri youth terrorist training in Pakistan by 1983. Assembly elections of 1987 were considered by youth of Kashmir as rigged by Government of India. By 1989, it was estimated that about 10,000 Kashmir youth had gone to Pakistan to undergo terrorist training. By 1990 around four lakh Kashmir Pundit families were forced for exodus from valley under a well planned strategy.
Casualties. It is estimated that around 25,000 terrorists and 6,000 security personnel have been killed since militancy started in Jammu and Kashmir. Some rights groups claim that around 1,00,000 people including civilians, security forces and terrorists have been killed in Kashmir valley since 1989.
Healing Time : Way Ahead. There is a deep and growing divide between those who administer the state and the people. Also there is an acute sense of humiliation, helplessness and resentment amongst the civil society. The people need a patient hearing. The aspirations of the people have to be met with serious attempts and not be just an eye wash. The economic development and human development are the main factors to enable subdue hardline thinking of youth and allow them to join the mainstream. The following factors will allow genuine sustained development and satisfaction of the people.
(a) Education. In the past, successive governments at the centre introduced new IITs & AIIMS in the state. In addition, there is a requirement to open world class elementary Schools, vocational training centres, management institutes, agriculture colleges and other region specific training institutions. This will instil confidence of youth is their talents and enable them to get a job and a source of living. New education scholarships may be introduced to enable poor children to gain good education.
(b) Industrial Corridors. Industrial base of small scale and large scale industries & MSMEs require a major push. The raw material may be transported to the valley and finished goods sent to other states. The same will lead to large-scale employment and hence financial independence. Incentives in terms of tax regime relaxations, single window licences and cheap electricity may be provided.
(c) Tourism. Tourism is the back bone of economy of Kashmir valley. Tourism accounts for nearly 8% of GDP of Kashmir. There is a requirement to drastically improve the tourist spots by ways of upgrading roads, improving tn means, provisioning of water and electricity and giving wide publicity within the country and outside.
(d) Power Generation. Jammu and Kashmir has a large hydro power generation potential. More and more small, medium and large dams are required to be constr. The surplus power should be exported to other states which will lead to revenue generation for the UT.
(e) Control On Corruption. Over the years, the administration has been infested with corruption at all levels. This has led to a popular dissatisfaction amongst the people. The same needs to be curbed. Accountability has to be fixed and the offenders need be punished in an exemplary manner.
(f) Infrastructure Development. Infrastructure development is the basic factor for economic emancipation of any region. There in a large scope for the same in the valley. Improvement and construction of roads, railways, airports and water ways need impetus. In addition to urban centres, rural areas till borders require major infrastructure and communication development push.
(g) Sports. The youth of valley have a tremendous potential in sports and games. The deserving sportsmen may be given opportunities at national and international levels based on their talent. The talented youth must not go unnoticed and unrecognised and need to be showcased.
(h) Jobs To Affected. Jobs in govt or private sector must be ensured to the youth who have suffered due to prolonged terrorism after losing their parents or siblings. This goes in a long way to instil confidence amongst youth.
Conclusion. The people of Kashmir have lost a lot over a period of last three decades. The basic grain of Kashmir is Kashmiriyat which is sufficiently guided by Sufi culture. Their basic nature is led by tolerance. However, over a period, they have been misguided by our neighbours and mishandled by the political dispensations for their ulterior motives. The Kashmiri youth of present time is educated and talented and understands the game plan of inimical elements through a much wider prism. Therefore, it is the responsibility of our government at centre and administration in the UT to ensure a brighter future for people of Kashmir in general and youth in particular.
