Lt Gen DP Pandey
Why refer only to politics of Kashmir and not the politics of ‘Jammu and Kashmir’? Ladakh was ignored in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and mercifully detached for a better future. Similarly, Jammu has neither voice, direction nor political dexterity. Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Bakarwals and Paharis have neither say nor are they considered entities in the ‘Saga-e-Kashmir’. They don’t even speak Kashmiri, a language short shrift-ed by Kashmiris themselves as the script has gone off the radar. In any case the unique and distinct Kashmiri culture itself has been lost from the mind space of the Kashmir Valley through three decades of a competitive destructive race run by the local Kashmiri politicians and radicals who seek directions elsewhere.
The entitled, rich and elite; be it the all-powerful political, religious or business leaders, often fly out of the psychologically and emotionally draining Valley in order to re-energise, revitalise and reinvigorate. But where will the locals escape to? They are denied the same luxury because politicians are quick to place the blame on the Security Forces for denial of safety and rights to the locals. Whereas it the ambivalence, brinkmanship and callousness of the political leaders in the Valley that has brought out a terse security situation exacerbating every decade since 1947.
To make matters worse, all efforts of the security forces to rein in the spiralling security situation is brought to a naught by the very local leaders who take over once the situation normalises. The vicious circle continues unabated.
Why peace continues to be a problem
Despite being aware of the nature of politics in Kashmir, one had prayed and hoped that post the abrogation of Article 370, peace and tranquillity would prevail in Kashmir. However, the tone and tenor of the election rallies (held in September, 2024), particularly within the Valley, indicate that even at the cost of self-destruction, politicians haven’t learnt their lessons.
The new government has been formed with Omar Abdullah as the chief minister, the first Assembly election session is currently underway and true colours of the leaders are already out in the open. One would have thought that being away from the political space for nearly 10 years (the last Assembly election was held in 2014) was an opportunity for the politicians to reflect on governance. But evidently, the break has been to no avail.
The future for a common Kashmiri looks bleak as their elected representatives are focussing their energies to take the UT/ State back in time instead of moving ahead with the rest of the country and the world. The timing for this laidback attitude is unfortunate because India and the rest of the world are presently marching ahead on the path of inclusivity and modernity and one would have hoped Jammu and Kashmir would also follow suit.
What the current Assembly has also brought to light is that subjects such as job creation, infrastructure development, education, economic sustainability and financial viability are not treated as concern areas. Politicians, it seems, are only consumed with the idea of going back in time and not concentrate on bettering the basic amenities for locals in the State/UT.
State-hood status is only a deflection
If State-hood status, which is already a guarantee by the Central government is achieved, every leader will want a share in the pie, each person would stake claim that the status has been restored due to their efforts. But this claim game is bound to to continue without an end in sight even after the State achieves the status. It would then likely stretch to them claiming credit for the revocation of Article 370, of the pre-1953 status and then maybe even that of the standstill agreement of 1947; and I am sure the heir of Raja Hari Singh may like to shift it further for the restoration of the princely state!
The politicians of Kashmir want to sell pipe dreams because they have nothing else to offer in terms of modern education, peace and stability through a safe and secure security environment, including the financial and economic viability of a resource rich territory. They know that the promise of giving jobs and other things for free is also not deliverable. So, they deflect responsibility on an issue which has an emotional appeal only for a few, restricted to some areas in the Valley. Rest be damned.
Ambivalence in becoming intrinsic, so is brinkmanship
Ambivalence is in the nature of Kashmiri politics where varying statements on a single issue are made in Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar and even more varying ones in local constituencies.
Wisdom is knowing that Kashmir is far better off with Bharat but this will not be spoken out clearly. Few do but quickly switch to the other extreme the very next day. One of the reasons for this ambivalence could be that people of J&K understand the situation on the ground but are hapless about it. It was reflected in the celebrations when the politicians were sidelined post abrogation of Article 370. There was an obvious sense of glee, most unfortunate in a democracy.
The viciousness adopted by the local leaders to let others down and turn out to be the true leader or representative of people drives them to brinkmanship even at a cost. Safe and secure in terms of riches and security, they are willing to go to any length for popularity. History of Kashmiri politics is replete with instances of brinkmanship and it has only brought disaster, starting from the Standstill Agreement and onwards. The current drama, who will introduce the resolution first on issue of Article 370, is in a similar vein to gain this “hero” status.
One tries to introduce a resolution completely aware of its illegality in terms of process and another on the next day carries a provocative banner. Situation would be no different if the political fortunes had gone any other way. The smallest party or even single member will dramatise or create conditions for a response to glamorise actions. Aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami, even hardline separatist parties like Hurriyat to either remain in power or to throw out the other party, are actions of brinkmanship deftly adopted.
The focus to push Kashmir back in time is clearly evident in the eyes and actions of the politicians, particularly the ones who did not get the mandate they aspired for, or elevations they desired in the ruling dispensation. Their attitudes and orientations will compel even the other empowered elected representatives to push the envelope. The public statements on social media are evidence of lack of maturity and display of brinkmanship.
Callousness is not new in political muddle of Kashmir
Rhetoric, fanning emotions, populist sloganeering are common and when the radicals take over, then leave the population at their mercy. The allocation of funds or power in the hands of few has ensured that the conflict economy has survived though the political callousness towards the people. While some degree of pandering to the emotions and demands of Valley is still met, the disdain towards the rest of the UT/State is also evident.
Unfortunately, even though the political class is educated, qualified, experienced, prosperous and empowered, their conduct of the past few days in the Assembly reflects otherwise. One sincerely hopes that better sense prevails so that passions are not inflamed and fanned. The opportunity provided after five years to serve people directly can be exploited for generation of jobs, providing quality modern education and creating an environment of peace and stability. It can be used positively to bring in investments as well – all of which was done ably by the LG-led administration.
It is rather unfortunate that the peace and stability achieved post sacrifices of people and security forces is lost due to the ambivalence, brinkmanship and callousness of the elected few. The Kashmiri politicians are not only losing credibility in Jammu and Kashmir, but also within the country and globally. It is time to smell the coffee and see the drift of the modern world and meet the genuine aspirations of the population.
PS: It is a ringside view of someone who believes in Kashmiris and invested precious years in Kashmir.
Courtesy: news9live.com.
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