Six militants were reportedly killed near the Line of Control on Saturday, a day which also saw the encounter of Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, Hizbul Mujahideen commander and successor of Burhan Wani (“Six infiltrators killed in Baramulla ambush,” “Protests erupt as Wani’s successor killed in Pulwama,” May 28). While the former news is welcome, the latter causes anguish. Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India and hence the Kashmiris who demand ‘azaadi’ also need to be considered Indians and brought into the mainstream. The killing of Wani last year and the consequent violence has not brought any solution to the Valley’s political problems. Curbs by the state on freedom of speech, including by repeatedly blocking social media platforms, do not speak well of the situation either. The continuing stone-pelting, the multiple incidents of violence and the failure of the administration to maintain law and order inevitably point out to the need for a change in strategy. Recent attempts at peace, such as the appointment of interlocutors by the Centre in 2010, proved to be an anti-climax. However, the push for peace needs to continue by involving all parties, under the leadership of the Centre, with a time frame. The armed forces, meanwhile, should concentrate more on border security, leaving the State’s law and order maintenance to the police.
S.V. Venkatakrishnan,
Bengaluru
As the Valley witnesses violent protests after Bhat’s killing in an encounter, normal life continues to be crippled, with separatists gaining the upper hand by calling for shutdowns. The separatists’ tactics, with elements in Pakistan as well as some locals providing help, are only resulting in more deaths — of civilians, militants as well as security forces. School and college students continue to be the big losers. Before the situation slips further out of hand, the Centre needs to intervene with an open mind, taking assistance from eminent personalities, to devise a solution to the deep-rooted political issue.
K.R. Srinivasan,
Secunderabad
The killing of Bhat only underscores that militancy in Kashmir is being very closely monitored by the Centre. Undeterred by the prospects of a backlash, the government’s moves to eliminate militants need to be lauded. It will be a big setback to those involved in fomenting terrorism in the Valley. A strong message has been sent to the young radicals that the administration will not take things lying down. When there is a democratically elected government in place, a few gun-wielding youth should not be allowed to hold the state to ransom. It is expected that the advantage gained will not be frittered away. Hopefully, sections of the people of Kashmir too will gradually cease to call the killed militants as martyrs.
V. Lakshmanan,
Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
