Eye On The Ball

A spate of violent strikes in Kashmir indicates the Valley’s tenuous security situation. Targeting security personnel and ordinary civilians, the attacks in Srinagar and Bijbehara seemed designed to send out the message that militancy is alive and kicking. Their timing is as significant. They come on the heels of chief minister Omar Abdullah’s push to have the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) revoked from certain districts. It seems elements with a vested interest in keeping Kashmir on the boil don`t want the state dispensation to win hearts and minds with this major initiative.

That’s precisely why Kashmir didn’t need the unseemly controversy created by National Conference general secretary Mustafa Kamal, also the CM’s uncle. He was quoted recently as suggesting that the army was behind the attacks. Though he later played down the statement, the damage was done.Demoralising the security forces – which operate under difficult conditions in Kashmir – is hardly constructive. With cross-border infiltration a threat, army personnel have their task cut out. For mainstream politicians to join separatists in bashing law enforcers vitiates the atmosphere. Not letting the opportunity pass, separatists called for a shutdown to protest army presence just at a time the CM is working on the AFSPA’s withdrawal in four districts. None of this raises popular confidence.

To his credit, Omar has sensitively handled the contentious AFSPA issue. Making it a point to commend the army for its anti-militancy role in the state, he clarified that his call for a calibrated AFSPA wind-down isn`t an attempt to undermine the security forces. It goes without saying that the security-related ground situation will need factoring in before the AFSPA is rolled back to any greater degree than on a district-specific pilot basis. But moving in this direction is crucial. The harsh law was never meant to be applied in perpetuity. A lighter footprint for the army will help assuage the siege mentality among many locals and help build trust.

Kashmir today differs from Kashmir in the violence-ridden 1990s. There is lively political activity in the state, and a strong desire for normalcy. Consider the record voter turnout – over 80% – during this year`s panchayat polls. Even before that, Kashmiris voted in sizeable numbers in assembly polls, defying terrorist threats. They’ve repeatedly signalled their concerns are bread-and-butter issues like development and employment, and they want an end to violence. It`s therefore imperative to boost civilian institutions in J&K, including by devolving power to the grassroots and beefing up local law enforcement. Law and order must increasingly be shouldered by the local police. Training and equipping them to take over greater responsibilities must be a priority.