J&K Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said on Wednesday in an interview with The Hinduthat killings should immediately stop and a political process explored to prevent further unrest in the valley.
What is your take on the current Kashmir unrest?
It is an unprecdented unrest, both in terms of volume and intensity. It is a reflection of accumulated anger over the decades. It is an accumulated response of huge anger and neglect. Burhan Wani's death cannot be seen in isolation. India is a huge country with huge diversity. It must raise its voice. Kashmir is bleeding. The country's credibility is at stake. It is getting lowered. The pelting of stones is an expression of disillusionment. They want to be heard but nobody is listening. The response to stones with guns is highly unfortunate and unacceptable. There is a deep feeling in Kashmir that the response would have been different in another part of the country.
What is your view of the Centre's attitude till now?
The Prime Minister is yet to speak a word. Not a word of sympathy for the victims has come from him. There is a much more hardened position now than ever before. The Centre is seeing it as exclusively a security problem. But it is certainly of a political nature.
Could you elaborate why you say the Centre's attitude has hardened compared to the past?
Narasimha Rao as PM had talked about the first spell of militancy and held forth the promise that sky is the limit on what could be done for Kashmir. The Devegowda government's common minimum programme included a clause of maximum autonomy for Kashmir. While the Vajpayee government in 1998 did not acknowledge a Jammu and Kashmir assembly resolution on autonomy, he did take the Lahore bus trip. On the question of a dialogue with those who were out of the democratic process, Atal ji said it would be done on the basis of insaniyat (humanity). When LK Advani was deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, they even offerd talks to the Hizbul Mujahideen. Why can't it happen now? In the past, KC Pant was interlocutor. Once there was a three-member team led by Dilip Padgaonkar. A Parliamentary delegation represented even by the BJP had gone to look into the Kashmir issue some years back and had talked to all sections.
So you mean things have worsened under the present BJP government?
Congress did not do enought to sort out issues but made some noises. Since the BJP has come to power at the Centre, what is the general narrative on minorities and Article 370? Quite obnoxious and communal! How will it impact the psyche of disillusioned Kashmiri youth, who have no hope left for a dignified life? The Centre's only instrument is to shoot the unarmed, angry people and beat them up.
What do you think is the immediate way out to de-escalate things?
Firstly, The Prime Minister must speak in Parliament and send out a message that we feel concerned; that we are eager to resolve things through mutual dialogue. He should say they are our people. The PM speaking means the nation speaking. Secondly, should you fire on the chest when people throw stones? This creates a resentment cycle. If you say they are being incited, you are only obliging those who incite. Thirdly, ban the use of pellets, which have blinded people.
Do you think the social media and their use for incitment are also behind problems?
The social media can add to the situation. There can be disinformation, misinformation and good things as well on them. The BJP says we stand for a Hindu nation. Social media can be used to create problems, but there has to be a fertile ground too. And the national environment outside Kashmir also has a bearing on things.
Any views on reports of a newspaper blockade?
If you restrict newspapers, rumours will take over.
Should AFSPA be repealed?
Certainly. Why not? Today you are not facing militants in big numbers. You are facing angry youth on the streets. Should you further alienate them through force?
