Last phase coming up

We are now approaching the third phase of the electoral process in JK. The intensity of terrorist violence has been increasing almost expon...

We are now approaching the third phase of the electoral process in J038;K. The intensity of terrorist violence has been increasing almost exponentially in direct proportion to the number of people coming out to vote in spite of what must remain the most violent exercise of democratic rights anywhere in history. Unfortunately, we are likely to face increasing violence in the coming days, especially in the highly wooded, sparsely populated regions which will now go to polls. A 45 per cent voter turn-out 8212; 55 per cent if the two cities of Srinagar and Jammu are excluded 8212; is a clear rejection of terrorism and separatism. Possibly another 10-15 per cent of voters stayed away because of personal fear of the terrorists targeting them for daring to exercise their fundamental rights. But, as the escalation in recent weeks has demonstrated, defeat of terrorism and separatism does not automatically translate into an end of the two. The battle has been won; but the war would go on, assuming different dimensions and forms.

Pakistan has clearly not given up its nefarious role of promoting terrorism in India. Curiously, its president-general confidently claims that the voter turnout was only 2-10 per cent. Obviously he is very badly served by his advisers, especially the intelligence agencies, who don8217;t understand democracy. There is an unwillingness to accept defeat in an area where deeply held beliefs only result in fantasies which, in turn, create deep frustrations leading to more aggressive behaviour once the truth becomes transparent. If the past were any indicator, the defeat of the bullet by the ballot would lead to a change of tactics by Pakistan. This is partially visible in the nature of terrorist violence which aims to trigger a communal divide and violence in India. The defeat of terrorism, therefore, would also require that we understand the enemy8217;s strategy and tactics and shape our thinking and action accordingly.

As we approach the final phase of the election process, we need to reflect on the future. What J038;K would need in the coming months and years is efficient governance sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the people. The responsibility for building on the gains of the electoral process and the clear demonstration of the courage and wishes of the majority of the people of J038;K rests squarely on the political leaders in the state. This responsibility would go back all the way to the national political leadership, whether in or out of the government. This is something that leaders of outfits like the VHP need to seriously pay attention to. Their rhetoric may enhance their popularity but could push the country into a situation that would only benefit the enemies of freedom and human dignity.