After the attack on Indian camps
The fedayeen attack on the Indian camp in Uri has added a new dimension to the ongoing anti-India movement in Kashmir. For more than two months the atrocities committed by the Indian army and the local police had begun to draw the world’s attention. For the first time, the western media was exposing Indian brutality, the UN human rights chief and the OIC supported Pakistan’s stand for an inquiry into the disproportionate use of force by India. So did Turkey. The use of pellet guns had particularly put India on the defensive. A Kashmiri lawmaker had resigned from India’s parliament to protest the state sponsored brutality. India was left with no excuse for the use of lethal weapons to suppress the unarmed protesters. The Uri incident will be used by India at the UNGA to divert attention from the core issue.
As was expected, the killing of at least 17 Indian soldiers in a single attack has led to strong reaction from India. The Indian political leadership has issued threats to Pakistan. A section of Indian media is weighing the pros and cons of the Indian Special Forces undertaking a covert attack on fedayeen camps inside Azad Kashmir. As both countries possess nuclear weapons any irresponsible act of the sort would lead to serious consequences.
The Kashmir issue needs to be resolved to ensure peace in the region. India should take note of the depth of resentment among the people of Kashmir against the occupation. The urge for freedom cannot be suppressed by use of brutal force. In case the Kashmiri youth find there is no peaceful way left to seek an end to the prevailing stasis, there is a likelihood of many abandoning peaceful methods. The widespread reaction in the Valley to Burhan Wani’s killing should leave no doubt that Indian repression is forcing many Kashmiris to think of the option of the gun. There is a need to find a peaceful solution before a desperate populace is forced into embracing the cult of the gun.