As They See It

In India8217;s current parliamentary election 8212; where voting is spread over a month and counting is to start on October 6 8212; both the BJP and the rival Congress party have sought to make political capital out of the Kashmir conflict. The BJP-led coalition government, which pollsters say is heading for a narrow victory, credits itself with driving the intruders out and boosting India8217;s international image. Congress blames the BJP for failing to notice the intruders as they dug positions in Indian territory.

Yet such issues have little resonance in Uttar Pradesh8217;s remote Himalayan villages, though more than 60 soldiers from these mountains died in the fighting. Of greater concern is the lack of jobs, which means joining the army is one of few options for young men. 8220;There is no other occupation, no business or industry, so parents can8217;t stop their children from joining the army,8221; says Kamla Devi, 45, Tangroli8217;s villagehead, whose own son has enlisted. Many are angry with the BJP for not turning their area into a separate state, which they think would speed development and create new job opportunities8230;

In the distant village of Mota Dhak, Bhagni Devi, 60, is haunted by the loss of her 37-year-old son, who perished in the fighting, but also worries about her youngest son, who failed the army physical exam and is now unemployed. 8220;Who can I blame? Who can I feel anger against?8221; she says. 8220;There is a stone in my heart and I feel like crying all the time.8221;

The BJP-led government has tried to soothe bereaved families by lavishing them with unprecedented attention, and showering them with money8230;8220;I was given huge garlands of flowers and officials hugged me and people kissed my feet,8221; Bhagni Devi says. 8220;We got so much respect,8221; her husband, Jagan Singh, a labourer adds. The BJP has also offered the families financial support in cash and benefits worth over 30,000, a small fortune in Indian terms. the BJP-ruled stateof UP decided to give families an additional 22,000 payment, plus a 166 monthly pension. It also promised to rename a road and a school after each fallen soldier.

Such beneficence has bolstered the BJP8217;s sagging reputation among some, and created an impression that the BJP is more supportive of army families than past governments. But in villages such as Bitai Tali, relatives of Kuldeep Singh Rawat, who died in Kashmir in July, say that may not be enough to mute popular anger at the BJP8217;s failure to provide basic amenities.