Politics

A robust security apparatus in Kashmir is essential to counteract both internal and external threats

The situation in Kashmir has long been a complex and volatile. As the geopolitical landscape shifts and regional tensions rise, New Delhi must maintain a robust and vigilant security presence in Kashmir, and it needs to understand that Kashmir cannot be left midway.

The lessons of past mistakes, particularly those seen in other conflict zones like Afghanistan, must guide India’s current and future policies to ensure stability and integration in this crucial region.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in the late 1990s provides a stark warning of the consequences of leaving a conflict-ridden area without a comprehensive security strategy. The hasty departure left a power vacuum that was quickly filled by the Taliban, leading to decades of instability, violence, and the resurgence of terrorist networks.

For India, the parallels with Kashmir are clear. A premature or incomplete disengagement could embolden anti-India elements, leading to a reversal of progress and a potential escalation of violence.

A robust security apparatus in Kashmir is essential to counteract both internal and external threats. This involves not just presence of the security forces but also intelligence gathering, community engagement, and infrastructural development to ensure long-term peace and stability.

Strengthening intelligence capabilities is crucial. This includes better surveillance, human intelligence networks, and collaboration with international intelligence agencies to preempt and counter terrorist activities.

Continued readiness of the security forces is essential. This means modernizing equipment, ensuring high morale of soldiers, and maintaining quick response units to address any immediate threats.

Building trust within local communities through community policing initiatives can help gather actionable intelligence and foster a sense of security among residents.

Strong political leadership is necessary to navigate the complex landscape of Kashmir. This involves making tough decisions to dismantle corrupt systems and ensuring that political leaders in the region are committed to national integration rather than personal gain.

Corruption among Kashmir-based political leaders has long been a barrier to progress. These leaders, driven by personal gain, often exploit the sentiments of the populace, leading to widespread disillusionment and unrest.

The need of the hour is to establish stringent accountability mechanisms to monitor and investigate corrupt activities that can help cleanse the political landscape. Strengthening processes to swiftly deal with corruption cases would ensure that those found guilty are punished, thereby setting a precedent.

Promoting transparency in governance through digital platforms and citizen engagement can reduce opportunities for corrupt practices.

Anti-India elements, both within and outside Kashmir, are continually working to sabotage efforts towards national integration. These groups propagate misinformation, and foster an environment of fear and hostility.

Effective communication strategies are vital in countering misinformation and building a narrative of unity and progress.

Engaging with local and national media proactively to highlight the positive developments and address concerns transparently can help in shaping public perception.

Engaging directly with local communities through outreach programs can build trust and counter the narratives propagated by anti-India groups.

Economic development is a key pillar in achieving long-term stability in Kashmir. Ensuring that the region benefits from economic growth can address many underlying issues of unrest and dissatisfaction. Investing in infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, and communication networks can improve the quality of life and economic prospects in the region.

Enhancing educational facilities and programs can provide the youth with better prospects and divert them from potential involvement in anti-national activities.

The most challenging battle for New Delhi in Kashmir is fighting the internal enemies who work against national integration. These internal enemies include corrupt politicians and those who sympathize with or support separatist ideologies.

Another important aspect which New Delhi needs to focus on is the whistleblower protection. Implementing robust whistleblower protection mechanisms can encourage the reporting of corrupt activities without fear of retribution.

New Delhi cannot afford to leave Kashmir with unfinished commitments. The stakes are too high, and the potential consequences too severe. By learning from the mistakes of the past, especially the US experience in Afghanistan, India must ensure a comprehensive and sustained approach to security, political reform, economic development, and countering anti-India narratives.

The countdown to ensuring lasting peace and integration in Kashmir has begun, and New Delhi must rise to the challenge with determination and strategic foresight. The battle is as much against external threats as it is against internal vulnerabilities, and winning this battle requires unwavering commitment and cohesive action.

Article Source: https://www.greaterkashmir.com/editorial-page-3/new-delhi-cant-afford-to-leave-kashmir-midway/

Their democratic rhetoric is nothing more than a facade for self-promotion

Over the past six months, the political landscape of Kashmir has been dominated by three major opposition parties: the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Congress. However, their political rallies and agendas reveal a concerning trend – a singular focus on self-empowerment and personal development. In the name of democracy, these leaders seem more interested in safeguarding their own interests and promoting themselves rather than addressing the genuine concerns of the common people.

Their democratic rhetoric is nothing more than a facade for self-promotion. Rather than championing the cause of the people, their motives appear to revolve around personal gain. The leaders of these parties seem to have turned democracy into a tool for personal development, using it as a means to accommodate their children and kith and kin in positions of power.

One striking feature of the political rallies conducted by these parties in the past six months is the conspicuous absence of any substantial discussion on public issues. Despite the numerous challenges faced by the common Kashmiri, the leaders have failed to address or advocate for the resolution of pressing problems. Instead, their focus remains centered on perpetuating their own empowerment.

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The leaders of these parties have consistently resorted to raising false slogans like plebiscite, autonomy, and self-rule to create an illusion of addressing the broader concerns of the people. These slogans serve as mere tools to manipulate public sentiment, diverting attention from the leaders’ true agenda – personal development at the cost of the common Kashmiri.

While the children of these political leaders have become global citizens, enjoying the privileges of an enriched lifestyle, the lives of the ordinary Kashmiri have remained mired in misery. The stark contrast between the opulence of the leaders’ families and the struggles faced by the common people paints a grim picture of the self-centered nature of Kashmiri politics.

The leaders of these opposition parties seem stuck in a repetitive cycle, where their primary aim remains the perpetuation of their own empowerment. This pattern, observed over the past six months, reflects a lack of genuine concern for the issues affecting the common people. Instead of engaging with public problems, these politicians continue to link every issue with their personal development, attempting to convince the electorate that their return to power is the only solution to avoid further miseries. One glaring example of the leaders’ hypocrisy is their opposition to the development initiatives in Srinagar, particularly the city’s transformation into a smart city. While they vociferously decried the move, the reality is that their previous tenures were marked by rampant loot and plunder. The mismanagement and corruption during their rule left Kashmir without electricity, and their questionable allocation of power projects to friends and relatives hindered the region’s ability to become self-reliant in the power sector.

Kashmir, despite its potential for self-reliance, is grappling with the aftermath of the misdeeds perpetrated by these politicians during their tenures. The consequences of their actions are evident in the struggles faced by the common people, who continue to bear the brunt of power shortages and inadequate infrastructure. Yet, paradoxically, these very leaders who contributed to the predicament now aspire to return to power, crying foul like a ‘whipping boy’ and disregarding their own role in the current state of affairs.Political rallies held by these parties have brought to fore the self-centric nature of Kashmiri politics, particularly within the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Congress. The leaders of these parties, instead of championing the cause of the common people, have used democracy as a means for personal development and empowerment.

Disconnect between the opulent lives of their families and the struggles faced by ordinary Kashmiris are known to all. These leaders can no longer take common people for a ride. Their eccentric approach has exposed them yet again. Politicians are busy driving home a point that a common Kashmiri cannot survive if they continue to remain out of power.

It seems they are unaware about the ground reality i.e. people are no more interested in their theatrics and dramas. They have understood that these leaders are toothless tigers and their only aim is to somehow sniff the power again.

It is imperative that the electorate remains vigilant, demanding leaders who genuinely prioritize public welfare over personal gain, to pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for Kashmir.

Article Source: https://www.greaterkashmir.com/editorial-page-2/jobless-mainstream-politicians-busy-in-self-projection/

New Delhi must recognize that the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be won only by honest officers alone

Jammu and Kashmir has been a focal point of conflict and unrest for decades. Pakistan-sponsored insurgency erupted in 1990, plunging the region into a state of chaos and violence. In this tumultuous environment, the political class of Kashmir seized an opportunity to manipulate the situation for their monetary gains, while the common people suffered the most.
As the insurgency in J&K escalated, the region’s political class quickly recognized the potential to exploit the situation for their personal gains. They positioned themselves to wield power and increase their wealth at the expense of the suffering masses.

While the conflict wreaked havoc in the lives of ordinary Kashmiris, the elite politicians were seemingly untouched by the turmoil. These politicians had no qualms about sending their own children to foreign countries, where they enjoyed the luxuries of life, far removed from the violence and uncertainty that plagued their homeland. This stark contrast between the privileged class and the common people is an alarming example of the disparities that arose during the conflict.
The manipulation and exploitation carried out by the political elite of Kashmir and how they fooled intelligence agencies of various countries for their financial interests is an “open secret” known to everyone.

One of the most egregious aspects of this exploitation was the manipulation of the youth. On one hand, the children of the political class were shielded from the horrors of the insurgency, living a life of luxury abroad, while on the other hand, the children of poor Kashmiriswere pushed into taking up arms and engaging in activities like stone-pelting.
The political class actively instigated the youth to join the ranks of insurgents, providing them with a sense of purpose and, in some cases, financial incentives. This not only perpetuated the cycle of violence but also further divided the society. The common Kashmiri youth, misled by false promises and manipulated sentiments, became the pawns in a dangerous game orchestrated by the political elite.

The economic disparities in Kashmir during this tumultuous period were staggering. While the children of the political class spent dollars in foreign countries, purchasing luxury goods and enjoying a comfortable life, the average Kashmiri struggled to secure two square meals a day. The wealth and prosperity of a select few stood in stark contrast to the abject poverty and suffering of the masses.
These disparities only served to deepen the resentment and discontent among the people of Kashmir. The perception that the political class was exploiting their suffering for personal gain fueled anger and disillusionment, making it even harder to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.

The conflict in Jammu and Kashmir is not solely an internal issue; it has long been a battleground for proxy warfare involving Pakistan, and international intelligence agencies. The cunning manipulation of the political elite in Kashmir played a significant role in this geopolitical chess game.
The ability of the Kashmiri political class to deceive intelligence agencies from various countries, presenting a façade of being on the side of peace and stability while covertly benefiting from the turmoil, is a testament to their deceit. These politicians exploited the global attention and involvement in the region to further their personal interests, all while maintaining a public image of being committed to the well-being of their people.

After the revocation of Article 370 and J&K’s transition into a Union Territory on August 5, 2019, the region has witnessed peace, prosperity and development. J&K during the past four and half years has shown it to the country that it can compete with any region. It has the potential to emerge as a top performing Union Territory in India. But a few stray incidents like recent killing of a policeman, a father to seven daughters, by terrorists in North Kashmir’s Baramulla area is grim reminder of the fact that people of Kashmir are still being killed by the small bullets sent by Pakistan while the beneficiaries of the conflict are still enjoying privileges like Z-security cover.

New Delhi must recognize that the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be won only by honest officers alone. It necessitates the active involvement of an upright and honest political class that genuinely cares about the welfare of the people of Kashmir and is committed to ending terrorism and violence.

It is essential to break the cycle of manipulation and exploitation that has persisted for decades. The first step in this process is to bring about a political transformation in the region. The current political class that has thrived on the conflict and its associated benefits must be held accountable for their actions and replaced with leaders who prioritize peace and prosperity for the region.
The intelligence agencies that have been deceived by the Kashmiri political class must also play a role in rectifying the situation. They should conduct a thorough review of their engagement with these politicians, recognizing the extent to which they have been manipulated and deceived.

To bring about meaningful change in Jammu and Kashmir, it is imperative to empower the common Kashmiri and give them a stake in the peace process. This can be achieved by ensuring that the youth have access to quality education, employment opportunities, and avenues for constructive engagement. Addressing economic disparities and providing a sense of hope for the future is crucial.
Additionally, efforts should be made to engage with civil society organizations and local leaders who have the welfare of the people at heart. These groups can play a pivotal role in bridging the divide and building a more inclusive and peaceful society.

The exploitation of the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir by the political class for monetary gains is a disturbing chapter in the region’s history. To bring about lasting peace in the region, it is imperative that the political landscape undergoes a transformation. New Delhineeds to recognize the manipulation carried out by the Kashmiri political class and actively work toward a more inclusive and accountable system.

The writer writes on Politics, Defense and Strategic affairs and is presently heading International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS), New Delhi. He has authored many books on Kashmir.

Article Source: https://www.greaterkashmir.com/op-ed-2/jk-needs-honest-politicians-conflict-profiteers-stand-exposed/