The attack by the so-called ‘Resistance Front’ in J&K’s Ganderbal district on Sunday that left seven civilians dead comes just after what was thought to be a comprehensive mandate from the Union Territory’s electorate. It is a clear violation of the people’s expressed desire for peace and development. Very obviously, the ‘Front’ does not represent the will of the people. In fact, the incident has made clear that this the handiwork of Pakistan’s ISI, which cannot digest the return to ‘normalisation’ and acceptance, even by the separatists, of the democratic mainstreaming of J&K politics. That among those killed were local Muslims reveals that the real motive behind the attack is Pakistan’s expansionism. Its army did not hesitate to massacre the Bangladeshis, nor will it care about the well-being of Kashmiris in any future scenario.
The security challenge has been ongoing for a long time, but the political counter has to come from the newly installed NC Government. The whole point of elections was just that – those representing the people’s aspirations would ensure J&K goes in the right direction. The Farooqs and Congress leaders have been quick to condemn the attack, but what are they going to do? The incident is certainly a setback to the restoration of statehood demand, as the security element requires continued central control of the situation.
It is ironic that, during the recent SCO meeting in Pakistan, despite the lack of a bilateral engagement with India, the political class and the public had sent out a clear message for resumption of good relations. Quite clearly, those who exercise real power in that country, the Generals, have no such intent. The reason for the latest attack is to ensure such initiatives are scuttled. It is their belief that any alienation this may cause among the Kashmiris would be short-lived and they would soon be toeing the Pakistan line.
India must ensure, of course, that the return to normalcy continues, unaffected by such gruesome incidents. At the same time, an appropriate response is required. Those in charge of such operations should be identified and targeted in Israeli fashion. Not just the leaders of the ‘Front’ but also their backers in the ISI should personally face the consequence of such actions. Also, the campaign at the international level to expose Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism should be continued with relentless determination. And the hypocrisy of those who overlook this reality should be utterly exposed.