The rise of alienation in the Valley

The army’s role in the conflict expanded in 1993 with the introduction of the Rashtriya Rifles, an elite army unit created specifically for counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir. As of 1996, at least 300,000 troops were deployedin the valley, including those positioned along the Line of Control. The local Jammu and Kashmir policemen are generally not involved in counter-insurgency operations, largely because they are believed to be sympathetic to the insurgents. However, in 1995 the Special Task Force (STF), a counter-insurgency division of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, made up of mainly non-Muslim non-Kashmiri recruits, was formed apparently to create the impression that the counter-insurgency effort had local support.

Since at least early 1995 Indian security forces have armed and trained local auxiliary forces made up of surrendered or captured militants to assist in counter-insurgency operations. These forces, who wear no uniforms and operate outside of the normal command structure of the Indian army and other security forces, nevertheless are considered state agents under international law. These groups participate in joint patrols, receive and carry out orders given by security officers, and operate in full view of army andsecurity force bunkers and camps. Some members of these groups are even housed in military compounds.

The BSF and the Rashtriya Rifles are financing their own paramilitary forces. According to one press report, competition to claim a greater number of surrendered weapons and recruits has led to friction between army forces and the Border Security Force (BSF).

A group of concerned citizens from Pakistan and India has initiated a process of discussions to build up a movement for peace and democracy in the subcontinent. The first formal discussion was held in Lahore, Pakistan, on September 2, 1994. The group is convinced that the politics of confrontation between India and Pakistan has failed to achieve any benefits for the people of both countries. Rather, it has been ruinous for both the countries. Peace in the subcontinent will help the South Asian region to progress economically and socially, especially in the context of the new economic order. The group also demands a democratic solution to the Kashmirdispute.

The most important task for India in Kashmir at present is to chalk out a coherent politico-economic policy for the people of Kashmir in which the local people would be able to participate not only in planning but also in implementing the plans. The most important task therefore would be to let the local leadership grow rather than impose Delhi-backed regimes to which the people of Kashmir remain hostile. The Indian Government has to take all such steps as are required to stop the people of Kashmir identifying the people of the rest of India with the Security Forces.

The Kashmir conflict is costing India millions of rupees and thousands of innocent lives with no coherent political policy to control it, and there is little chance of winning people’s minds with such a policy. India and Pakistan are living beyond their means to maintain the hostilities in Kashmir since it is politically more paying than the solution to the problem itself. The people of both the countries, along with the people ofKashmir, now have to force their respective governments to stop taking them for granted.

The writer is with the Nehru Centre, Mumbai