Playing politics over deaths and destruction

The prolonged street violence in Kashmir valley and tragic loss of human lives have been distressing for one and all in the valley as well as in rest of the country. Unexplainable suspense is looming large over the way Kashmir politics is taking turn. Incidents of turmoil are not new in Kashmir valley as there was never ever any sincere effort on the part of home grown or New Delhi leadership to emotionally and politically integrate the Muslims in Kashmir to the national mainstream. Deliberate and calibrated maneuvers were at play all along to keep distance and trust deficit among the local populace and rest of the people in two big regions of the state – Jammu and Ladakh and also in rest of the country. Communal sentiments were the inner spirit under the guise of so-called secularism and exclusivist narratives professed by those who believed in monopoly politics to perpetuate their grip over the power.

But one phenomenon that remained unique in the post-accession Kashmir politics was that it always had popular leaders like Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah, Moulana Masoodi, GM Bakshi, DP Dhar, GM Sadiq in Kashmir valley and Pt. Prem Nath Dogra, Tirlochan Dutt, GL Dogra and others in Jammu region, who commanded respect and confidence of the people in both regions of Jammu Kashmir state. They played constructive roles in carving out the political future of the people of this state. They always used their huge influence over the masses whenever some disturbing situation arose due to some foul play. For the first time, the vacuum of men of political stature is being felt in both the regions as shallow leaders have succeeded the legacy that they do not deserve. Whatever little hope remained was lost with the demise of Mufti Mohd. Seyeed and now, the fate has given a free hand to new leadership that has yet to demonstrate enough maturity in similar situations particularly in Kashmir valley. Stakeholders began making speculation about the shape and stability of the new government. Long delay in forming the new government had further deepened that suspense.

Realizing at the end of the day that infiltration and attacks on Indian installations or security camps are not much productive, be it Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Samba or Udhampur, or cross international border shelling, Pakistan availed the opportunity to concentrate on Kashmir to try if it could bail her out.

Pakistan's policy on Kashmir features two important aspects to strike hard.  One, the vulnerability of Kashmir valley population to whipping up of religious frenzy and the second is, India a docile democratic state governing J&K through appeasement rather than power of law.

This summer and especially after the demise of Mufti Sayeed, Pakistan activated Jamaat-e-Islami of Kashmir to intensify Pan-Islamic teachings through the mullahs and mosques. Flags of ISIS and Pakistan began to be waved in congregations and protest rallies, first in the down town Srinagar and then in other towns particularly Anantnag.

Jamaat-e-Islami focused on youth below 25 years of age, born and brought up in disturbed Kashmir and know nothing of pre-militancy period of peace, tolerance and development.

Such youth were found to be more responsive to Pakistani propaganda through electronic media which is now very commonly used not only by the urban population but also by the rural population. Internet facility has given a huge boost.

Obviously polarization had begun in the valley. Demonstrations were initially confined to South Kashmir and in Srinagar, and only downtown showed signs of unrest. Shopkeepers would open for an hour or two after dusk for the people to buy daily essentials.

The job of giving call for strikes and drawing the calendar was left to Ali Shah Geelani.

Protests have now spread to other parts of the valley. Language of protestors remains the same. Mosques are being echoed with religious songs and have so become the hub for eulogizing the “martyrs” of freedom.

If the present stalemate continues any further, polarization of forces is inevitable. Protests and demonstrations may die their own death in coming days, but the damage caused by this spell of violence to the secular polity of India, is a big blow. Let us see what comes out of series of discussions and dialogue between New Delhi and Kashmiri leaders.