The Beginning of Change of Approach?

Rahul Bhonsle 

Aug 22, 2016

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Kashmir – The Beginning of Change of Approach?

Is there a change in the approach of the Government of India on dealing with the present wave of unrest in Kashmir which has held the Valley in a state of enforced stasis since 8 July? While at the All Party Meeting on 12 August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked of pain for those killed in the Valley the overall sense appeared to be of a security dominant approach. The Prime Minister’s mention of role of Pakistan in the Valley and also human rights violations in Balochistan indicated that there was an attempt at diversion which however did not directly addressthe mood of anger in Kashmir.

In a meeting with delegation of leaders from J&K Opposition Parties on 22 August however the Prime Minister seemed to have changed tack to mention the need for dialogue to find a permanent and lasting solution to the Kashmir problem within the Constitution. There was neither any mention of a role of Pakistan nor other digressions including Balochistan thus indicating that the focus of the dialogue was on looking through talks.

The delegation was led by Omar Abdullah of J&K National Conference a former Chief Minister and who has been vocal for dialogue from day one of the present crisis. Others included Shri Ghulam Ahmed Mir, INC; Shri Hakeem Mohammad of People's Democratic Front; Shri M.Y. Tarigami, CPM and Shri Ghulam Hassan Mir of Democratic Party Nationalist

The Prime Minister also appealed for Political Parties to reach out to the people and convey concerns of the leadership and expressed his commitment to the development of the State and its people.

What has happened in the last 10 days that has led to perception of a possible change in the approach of the Government?

There could have been many reasons including scathing comments by international observers including the UN Secretary General who has highlighted the need for dialogue.

Another may be a perception that violence is spiralling out of control as security forces were on an edge for too long.

An indicator of the same was the so called, “Rogue Raid,” in Khrew in South Kashmir which led to the death of a lecturer, Shabir Ahmad Monga and injury to many on 17 August.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda while briefing the media came out openly to state that the raid was not sanctioned. "These raids were not sanctioned. Nobody can support it (the killing) and it will not be tolerated," Hooda said.

Significantly Gen Hooda also appealed for talks even hinting at the separatists. He stated, "My appeal is for calm. We have to sit down, put our heads together and see if we can find a way out of this situation. So everybody, who is in anyway involved in J&K, needs to introspect and see what can be done. It is not person or one organisation which can do it (alone)."

Hooda went on to add that, “This is not a political statement. It is a statement of facts because everybody is involved, whether it is security forces, separatists, governments, student leaders, so my appeal is to everyone. I think we need to find some way forward in this.”

This was rather unusual for a military commander to suggest talks with all stake holders including separatists. No one in the government has so far done so.

Was this an appeal that came after realisation that violence could lead to troops who had been under intense pressure taking the law in their own hands? At the same time the statement given the political tone could not have been made without the approval of the Army Chief and possibly the Defence Minister.

Ironically the separatist leaders were the first to commend on Lt Gen Hooda’s statement. “It reflects an urgency and inevitability of finding a political resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir,” said Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M).

“It’s an acknowledgement by a military commander that Kashmir is not a law and order problem but a political problem, and he has primarily given a message to his own political leadership that they need to work for a political solution,” he said.

Was the Prime Minister listening to his army commander on the ground in Kashmir who spoke of the reality of the situation that the solution was not in a security led but dialogue while ensuring that writ of the State was not in any way weakened?

Whatever it be the urgency of ending the cycle of bandhs and strikes is evident with supplies running low and locals as well as security forces at the end of their tethers.