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INSTEAD of listening to the grievances of Kashmiris and resolving the issue through peaceful political means, India’s stubborn attempts to subdue the people’s aspirations in the occupied territory through military measures is only making the situation worse. On Sunday, at least 14 people were killed in the held region, including a number of civilians. The civilian deaths occurred in the Kulgam area, as Kashmiri fighters and Indian forces were trading fire. Thousands of people were reportedly demonstrating against Delhi’s rule in the area and the civilians died apparently due to an explosion caused by Indian security forces. On Monday, the occupied area witnessed a shutdown as the Joint Resistance Leadership — a conglomerate of groups fighting for Kashmiri freedom — had given a strike call. Prime Minister Imran Khan has also taken note of the bloodshed, tweeting condemnation of the “new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris in IOK by Indian security forces”. Indeed, it has been a bloody year for occupied Kashmir; as per figures quoted in the media, over 250 Kashmiris have died in clashes in the held territory, around 80 of them civilians.
It is shocking how a country that claims to be a democracy is so out of touch with what the Kashmiri people desire. Unfortunately, the BJP-led government is meting out barbaric treatment to Kashmir and its inhabitants. Every time popular discontent with Delhi’s harsh methods boils over, the Indian state sends in its armed enforcers to crush dissent. This method has failed for over three decades, yet the powers that be in Delhi have not learnt any lessons. The way out appears quite clear: give the Kashmiris dignity and respect. And with Pakistan and the Kashmiris, figure a way out of an imbroglio that has remained unresolved since Partition. Yet as simple as it may seem, it is unlikely that the Hindu revivalist BJP will show any relaxation where Kashmir is concerned, especially as it prepares for a general election next year. Sadly, the Indian establishment, for petty domestic political gains, refuses to look at the bigger picture and think of bold solutions to the Kashmir question. Resolving this issue in line with the genuine aspirations of the Kashmiris will bring peace to the region, and indeed to South Asia. But this requires visionary leadership, especially in Delhi which, at the moment is sorely lacking, as the Indian ruling elite seems to be dominated by those with tunnel vision.
Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2018
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