The Indian-held Kashmir is again witnessing violence across the valley but this time it’s not the militants versus the security forces driven ferocity. It’s the general public which is pouring out onto the streets of Srinagar and other Muslim majority towns. Regardless of recent polls wherein BJP was able to form a shaky government in Kashmir with PDP’s support, no one can declare that Kashmir is a dead issue. It’s very much there as the ideology to have separation from India in the form of complete freedom or a merger with Pakistan has not yet died down.
If militancy has been brought under relative control, thanks to Pakistan’s crackdown on some jihadi groups, that doesn’t mean that Kashmiris have disassociated from the very dream of separation from India. One would expect that the Indian government will use this lull in militancy to win over the separation ideology. But remember violence always breeds further violence, and if it is against public street protests, then India can’t blame others for its own follies. India has aspirations to play a major role in the region, even eyes on the permanent membership of UNSC, but back home it’s unable to prove that Kashmiris are more prosperous and secure within the Indian Union.
Arrogance, ignorance, violence, and hard-handed approach to deal with street protests will not help PM Modi to win hearts and minds of Kashmiris; only engagement, dialogue and ability to accommodate difference of opinions will pave way for enduring peace in the valley.
Remember stubborn position will disengage even those who are ready to call off violence.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
