As Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dithers in finding amicable solutions to the ongoing violence in Kashmir, the nation is desperately awaiting an intervention by the Prime Minister to find an amicable solution to the festering row. Kashmir has been engulfed in a series of violence since June, and many believe if Prime Minister Manmohan Singh does not take bold steps to defuse the brewing anger, the situation might get out of hand. It seems the time is ripe for him to address the larger political issue of Kashmir and, if needed, go for the much-talked about ‘out- of- the-box’ solutions.
It is increasingly clear that Omar Abdullah’s political inexperience and his inability to address the grievances of ordinary Kashmiris have aggravated the situation in the valley. It is obvious that ‘use of force’ cannot provide a sustainable solution to this chronic problem, and that resumption of talks with leaders of democratic parties, separatist leaders, and other opinion makers could facilitate the reinstatement of peace in the turbulent State. It is therefore critical for the Prime Minister to reach out to the disgruntled groups, including the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. With a few key initiatives, the Prime Minister could be able to defuse some of the anger on the streets and acquire essential support for an enduring peace in the State.
Any delay in such decisions would have implications for India and certain gain for Pakistan and the separatist groups. Pakistan would not lose an opportunity to internationalise the issue. The separatists also have a new-found opportunity to maximize the anti-India sentiments among the Kashmiri youths. Recently, Pakistan used an international peace conference in Washington DC to gain support for internationalising the Kashmir issue with calls to India to enter into 'result-oriented talks' on the so-called `core` issue. As expected, some Pakistani speakers used the forum to reiterate allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir and exhort President Barack Obama to fulfill his election campaign pledge to help push efforts towards resolution of the longstanding dispute.
Many believe that poor economic development and growing unemployment are major problems and this can be solved through economic packages. However, this argument has often been contested when one considers the fact that massive economic assistance and funding had made little impact to the general economic development and condition in Kashmir. Lack of job opportunities and fruits of development have an impact on the psyche of the stone-throwing Kashmiri youths. As Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram rightly said, “it is important to win the hearts and minds of people of Jammu and Kashmir”. Rejuvenation of Kashmiriyat is vital to build peace in the turbulent State. Majority of Kashmiris feel that their grievances and concerns are not redressed by the state and central authorities.
Generating new employment opportunities could be one of the instruments to win over the disgruntled young population. A Chatham House opinion poll (May 2010) also reveals that the conflict itself is not considered a problem in relative terms by Kashmiris. Only 36 per cent in J&K felt that the conflict is a problem while 87 percent in J&K feels unemployment is major problem.
A constructive outreach to Kashmiris, especially the disgruntled youth, has become imperative. A credible assessment of their grievances, especially against the State government and its leadership is a vital need to redress the root causes. The general disillusionment and degree of angst and sense of alienation against the State government is present and clear. It is therefore imminent for the Prime Minister to step and ensure that the state government delivers on all fronts and is accountable. A direct dialogue with the people could be a soother.
Dr Amit Kumar is an Associate Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi.
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