The center must take advantage of the opportunity created by the reduction in militant violence to bring J&K closer to lasting peace
Post Date – 12:30 AM, Tuesday – December 27 22
The center must take advantage of the opportunity created by the reduction in militant violence to bring J&K closer to lasting peace
While it is heartening to see a marked decline in terrorist incidents and militant recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir, there is still a long way to go to heal the wounds in the valley and allow the democratic process to take root and provide real empowerment to the people feel. The central government claimed that terrorist incidents in the Union Territory had dropped from 229 in 2021 to 123 so far this year. Also, militant infiltration from Pakistan has decreased this year compared to previous years due to the strong security network in place by the Army. There is no doubt that an atmosphere of relative calm has ignited new hopes, best exemplified by uninterrupted school sessions, a rarity in the recent past. It is now up to the NDA government to consolidate the positive signals and deliver on its promises on development, jobs, elections and empowerment. With the demarcation process now complete, the announcement of J&K’s parliamentary elections is eagerly awaited. Restoring the democratic process is key to restoring normalcy in the disputed region. A sense of belonging cannot be fostered without empowering people to make choices, list their grievances, and be heard. The benefits of repealing Article 370 cannot be fully realized unless Kashmiris become stakeholders in the development narrative. And this will only happen if J&K can elect its own politicians to run its affairs.
A parliamentary vote could pave the way for restoration of statehood – a long-term demand from local residents and political parties, according to the roadmap the center has unveiled in parliament. The pledges made in the House should be upheld without delay. Fighting terrorism and closing the trust deficit are prerequisites for J&K to return to normalcy. The revival of the long-delayed democratic process could be an effective antidote to rising belligerence in the valley. After the repeal of Article 370, the political focus in Kashmir has shifted to regional development committees and grassroots development, a move that offers hope to Kashmiris who have long had to deal with red tape. People in the valley continue to feel alienated due to a lack of credible follow-up and delays in holding elections. The Center must use the opportunities created by the reduction in belligerent violence to strengthen its narrative-building efforts and bring the region closer to lasting peace. Meanwhile, security forces must remain vigilant as Pakistan opens up a new border with its drone-driven campaign, engaging border forces. The government should never let go of any opportunity to expose Islamabad’s illegitimate agenda on international platforms.
