Violence has not gone away, but the situation in J&K has started to accelerate toward a new opportunity. It should be clear to everybody that Pakistan’s strategy has started to become counterproductive some time ago. Its own economic mess and socio-political chaos could hardly hold out any hope for the discriminating people of J&K. If the current momentum for a more broad-based participation in the forthcoming assembly elections continues, the two-decades-old process of alienation can begin to be rolled back. In a way, the old and new aspirants for political power must look at the needs and aspirations of the people. What the state requires most is a combination of reconciliation, rehabilitation, reconstruction and restoration of trust. The majority party currently ruling in Srinagar will need to remember that the democratic principle and practice are crucial to achieving these. And these demand a strong and vibrant opposition to ensure checks and balances so crucial in democracy. Prolonged periods of violence and their tragic aftermaths have tended to cloud the reality that the alienation of the people arose largely from an expanding sense of relative deprivation at a period of rising prosperity. Continuing inequities and discrimination only deepened that perception. The UK-based MORI International survey a few months ago highlighted the core issues: that only 6 per cent of the people favoured joining Pakistan, but 93 per cent seek economic development and greater job opportunities, while 86 per cent want an end to militant violence. What is needed then, from the political class, is a closer look at ground realities. This is where the promise of a turn around in the state really lies, although it would take time for the change to show results on the ground. But at this stage it is extremely important to recognise that the process of moving toward normalcy has started. There is a critical need to ensure that the people and politicians do not start rushing to claim credit for the changes taking place. It is going to take a long time for the wounds of the past to heal and hence promises made now must be credible and actionable if normalisation is to be achieved. The highest priority for political leadership, including those from the Hurriyat, is to provide a vision and hope to the people for the future. For this they must acquire the legitimacy to speak on behalf of the people that comes only from the democratic processes. That vision must include the stipulation that the elected representatives must become accountable for their decisions within the larger set of national norms and provisions. Better governance that focuses on economic development and expansion of opportunities for gainful employment must constitute the core of the policies for the future.
