Modi’s ‘good policy’ in Kashmir
The people of Kashmir are understandably skeptical about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good intentions towards the valley as they hold legitimate grievances against New Delhi.
Last year, after Jammu and Kashmir state Assembly elections, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the regional, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made a historic but ideologically assorted alliance to run the state. The alliance, though not welcomed by all, had given hope to the people that something good will be coming peoples’ way.
During Modi’s frequent visits to Kashmir, he aimed at winning the hearts of the people of state. Addressing a big audience, in the wake of state Assembly polls at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium, Srinagar, he promised sweeping changes in Kashmir on development fronts, assuring jobs and good governance, while he kept Pakistan and Kashmir’s pro-freedom voices at bay.
Now, the question is that have Modi’s “sweet words” turned into reality?
Sham financial assistance
In October 2014, post devastating floods of September that affected nearly 1.5 million Kashmiris, slaying almost 300, Prime Minister Modi opted to celebrate Diwali in Kashmir. It was a gesture of sympathy and concern to flood victims. Kind enough, Modi said, “I have come to share your pain and anguish,” while addressing masses in Srinagar.
A flip-flop of his ‘good intentions’ surfaced after 9 months, in the form of state disaster response funds. The Central government announced a relief package of INR1,602 crore to flood-ravaged state. Interestingly the then state government heade by Omar Abdullah had submitted an estimated INR44,000 crore rehabilitation proposal to Center, to compensate the loss and devastation caused by floods across the Valley.
The Modi government’s response has not only been inadequate but humiliating and insulting too. Kashmir’s civil society groups, political leadership and trade bodies have described Centre’s package as a “crude joke.”
Even an MP of the ruling PDP, Tariq Hameed Karra rebuked the relief package. He told to a national daily that Center has adopted a biased approach towards Kashmir over the past years.
On top of it, the Ministry of Defense produced a rescue and relief operation bill amounting to INR 500 crore to the state government. The bill accounts the expenditure on air lifting people and air dropping aid during September floods, 2014.The air bill infused further anger amongst people.
Politicking
In contradiction to the Common Minimum Programme, agreed upon by BJP and PDP to run the government in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP has been raising the issue of abrogation of Article 370 very frequently.
Raising of such issues is undoubtedly making the PDP leadership uncomfortable and thus has been impacting the governance here.
Also, Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar’s “terrorists killing terrorists” remarks, a popular tactic used by state security agencies during peak militancy phase in 90s,generated another controversy. Killing of six persons in Sopore in the aftermath of Parikar’s comments once again came as an embarrassment to the state government. Though the Police, after probe, has accused a splinter group pf Hizbul Mujahedeen (HM) for the killings, Parikar’s statement has done some damage.
Yoga side-effects
Tension gripped the Kashmir University (KU) On June 21 when the World Yoga Day was being observed. KU students, however, opposed to practice yoga in the campus. Students waged an overnight protest as they accused authorities of ‘forcing’ them to do Yoga. One student Muzamil Farooq Dar was arrested.
There were massive protests within the Campus. The academic activities had to be suspended. While students said that Dar was arrested for opposing Yoga in Campus, police said he was arrested for his militant connections.
However, after several days of protests, Dar was released and the normal work resumed in the Campus.
Kashmir alienated
The common man in Kashmir is losing faith in the system. Their concerns are quite relevant as Kashmir remains in same morbid state. The people of Kashmir believe India takes a backseat on state matters which makes them feel alienated, time and again.
Kashmir is part of same profound problems – heavily militarized state, unarmed civilians killed in cold-blood by armed men. What adds insult to the injury is when there’s no accountability, no justice.
India’s national media has also been criticized for under reporting of ground situation in Kashmir or being biased in its reports. National media is blamed of being an eco-chamber for India.
On July 1st, the International human rights watchdog, Amnesty international released its 72-page report on human rights violation in Kashmir. It called Armed forces special power act (AFSPA) as one of the “primary facilitators of impunity” for security forces in the valley. Amnesty international also demanded repeal AFSPA as it has distorted the meaning of accountability and justice in Kashmir.
Nevertheless, the Centre is looking for a “conducive” situation to repeal AFSPA, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, said.
It goes without saying that Kashmir remains “the most dangerous place on earth,” as said by former U.S President Bill Clinton. Kashmir remains the bone of contention between India and Pakistan and despite the three previous counterproductive wars over Kashmir in 1947, 1965, 1999, the war of words continues from both sides.
In Kashmir the feeling of alienation needs to be addressed. Kashmir needs reforms on all fronts – education, health, political, employment, stability, accountability, justice.
Or, if, it’s still about deciding first, whether Kashmir is an integral part of India or jugular vein of Pakistan, well, in that case, both countries can talk, standing on each side of Line of Control till the cows come home.
The writer, a graduate from Cardiff School of Journalism, is based in Saudi Arabia and can be reached at aliyahiq@gmail.com
