Moving back to move on

Sixteen years after militancy and terrorism started to destroy what was historically known as the 8220;heaven on earth8221; there is hope in the air, and a prayer in the heart. The act of ordering reduction of troop deployment in J038;K is not only an act of great sagacity but also of sensitivity to the future of the troubled state. There are many here and across the border who would want to see the decision in terms of Pakistan, or Pervez Musharraf8217;s 8220;thinking aloud8221; and international opinion if not pressure. But the fact is that this is a purely internal issue in moving domestic peace forward. The situation in J038;K has been improving though far from satisfactory. That is perhaps inevitable as long as support in moral and material terms from across the borders continues. Meanwhile, what needs to be recognised is that the democratic way of managing human affairs is working in the state.

The decision to reduce the deployment of troops in the state is undoubtedly a crucial one since terrorism is far from being brought under control. It is only recently that a terrorist attack was made on the former chief minister, Farooq Abdullah, and his son, Omar Abdullah, the president of the National Conference, besides attacks on other political leaders in the state. Overall, of course, acts of terrorism have come down by nearly 20 per cent. This has been possible not only by vigorous anti-terrorist operations and anti-infiltration measures by the security establishment, but crucially by the support of the people. Building of the fence and use of sophisticated technology to assist in this process have helped.

With the onset of winter, the risks 8212; and let8217;s be clear, there are risks in the troop withdrawal 8212; would appear justifiable if the move produces a positive momentum. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh8217;s initiative is essentially a response to the role of the people in helping to start reversing the violence and alienation in the state. He would, no doubt, follow this up with other policy moves before and during his visit to the state in the week ahead. Such endorsement is required in support of the policy of the elected government of having taken the process of reducing alienation, and enthusing more and more people to help restore peace and prosperity in the state. Without that, the decision of troop reduction may not have been possible. It is now up to the Hurriyat to come up with positive steps. Above all, it now places the militants and terrorists 8212; at least those who believe they speak and act for the people 8212; on test. Will they come out and be counted in favour of the people or continue on their destructive path?