KASHMIR PROBLEM: FRESH LOOK

Kashmir is lingering as problem defying solution since Independence. Experts give many reasons starting from two nation theory to Pakistan involvement and numerous others. Number of solutions have been proposed by international/national experts but haven’t found favour with both warring nations.

Today’s situation is bad not its been worse earlier. Though very worrisome issue is that mind space has been occupied by Wahhabi ideology. This implies hatred for non Muslims amongst effected populace and low credibility of whatever Indian state or its agencies do for good of masses.

Its also a fact that majority populace of J&K is not with terrorists or Pakistan or desirous of so called Azadi. In Kashmir valley, populace living ahead of Shamshabari Range are patriots and help army to the extent its asked for. These people go to the extent of sharing intelligence and other anti-national activity coming to their notice. In Kashmir, few disturbed districts where separatists have some clout and can draw huge crowds protesting against India; shouting pro Pakistan slogans or carrying ISIS/Pak flags or throwing stones at SF vehicles or forces or participating in funeral processions. On the face of it, it appears highly anti patriotic but fact is majority is there out of fear of terrorists, making quick buck or jingoism. Even populace participates for similar reasons. Terrorists kidnap boys/girls at will for extorting money; recruitment in terrorist organisations or young women for sexual satisfaction of freelance terrorists.

Government massive economic packages and SF operations termed as WHAM or Winning Hearts And Minds have limited impact.

State government virtually blackmails Centre about grave consequences of tempering with special status or other provisos of GOI. State takes hefty economic subsidy but without any accountability. Indian Supreme Court or GOI rules have limited implementation. In fact state decides which rules to implement and those demanding accountability, transparency or devolution of power or women empowerment are not implemented as not in harmony with Sharia. However Haj subsidy, taking interests on deposits from banks are accepted.

Biggest challenge and one issue where present situation differs from past is MIND SPACE. Radio Muzzafarabad was trying to be Radio Free Europe equivalent beaming anti India propaganda since 70s and many believed it to be true. However with cyber space explosion, rentless anti India propaganda being delivered on individual mobiles through Facebook, what's app and emails. Fake news, doctored videos and misinformation regarding atrocities by Hindus against Muslims are popular themes. All these address emotive vulnerability of masses and feeling of distrust. Separatists & politicians when out of power fully add to Mind space poisoning. Once in power becomes well nigh impossible to change thus stance which at times appears to be antagonistic to Indians but local polity is looking at its vote bank. Fund flow from Centre but vote flow from locals, thus CATCH 22 for all politicians.

Media and locals in government jobs have to ensure personal and family safety and security. After all their roots, relatives and other survival well bing is common with masses. Any antagonistic behaviour implies some one being killed/kidnapped. Release demands huge ransom amounts. So LIVE & LET LIVE principle followed by majority of local service providers even when employed by state.

Wahhabi Islam is autocratic and any dissent is quelled with extreme violence. Augmented with relentless assault on Mind space by Pak media at radio, TV and cyber space, local media and religious teachers/ separatists.

Masses are thus victims of fear psychosis due to inability of state to provide security thereby leaving survival at mercy of terrorists. Second is relentless propaganda by media, religious teachers and Pak based agencies. With Indian authorities indifference to counter terrorists/separatists diktat and initiate stringent action against defaulters defying state, populace is slowly but surely drifting away from India.

Is there a solution?

Of course YES. However it needs clear cut and harmonious long term approach rather than knee jerk or let state handle or crisis based reaction. Central Governments have been quite happy with status quo being ensured by state government.On situstion getting worse, some financial package is announced and thereafter its business as normal. There is huge trust deficit between masses and state.

Some Suggestions

Reoccupy MIND SPACE. Religious leaders must be brought on media and interact with youth through FATWAS or logical discussions to shun violence.

Credible, grass root level youth icons must be encouraged to assume leadership. Abdullah and Muftis plus few other families control valley and have own vested agenda of dynasty and status quo proliferation.

Organise mass populace participating events celebrating local festivals and talent. This be organised and conducted by local schools/colleges or block level. Government should be facilitator only. Encourage sports for boys and girls in schools and colleges in big way.

Modernise Madarsas as being done in UP with NCERT syllabi.

Empower women and girls. Talent exploitation be encouraged.

Local NGOs must come up to reach out to populace for delivery of trust.

Make Panchayat Raj strong as it can deliver people’s expectations.

Use SF as last resort rather than prime weapon to manage state. SF must come to control violence and not be presence just for the heck of it.

Shift focus beyond Srinagar. Healthy competition between Kashmir, Jammu and Leh on various parameters of development with incentives will encourage performance on issues those matters.

State governent must have service employee mix policy of 50:40:10. 50% from the region; 10% from Leh and 40 from other region. Will ensure judiciousness, better trust and balanced

HR must be respected and anti terrorists operations must be hard int based surgical in nature. Local intelligence is key to success. Human and technological intelligence needs major investments. Huge reward potential in mid term.

Harassing people by terrorists/SF for intelligence is greatest fear amongst masses. Both use force, coercion and torture to extract information. Mid night knock is greatest stressors for anyone residing in theses areas.

Encourage Gujars and Bakarwals (living ahead of Shamshabari) to relocate at least during winters in Kashmir urban areas.

Household industry to economically better masses. Mega industries are unsuited as of date but once situation improves, huge potential for agro, pharama and electronics hubs to create world class facilities.

Elected representatives must communicate more and minus paraphernalia of huge security. The present security arrangements for VIPs antagonises common people. Their lives have little relevance. Major cause of drift.

Facilitate non partisan sane voices to emerge collectively.

Encourage trust build up amongst Kashmiris, Jammuites and Leh residents.

Encourage local culture Sufi thought, kashmiryat, excellence, empowerment by incorporating all influential people.

Tough stand on all spreading fear psychosis and drift amongst masses by acting on behest of adversary

Ensure safety and security of masses and proper focus on future of youth

GOI and State has two challenges if there is genuine desire to establish normalcy.

ONE. STOP Drift by reoccupying mind space & regain trust

TWO. Ensure safety of masses by enforcing writ of state.