The Chattergam shooting, in which two young men were killed by the Indian army, should not be allowed to settle into a familiar pattern of violence and outrage followed by an inquiry to tide over the immediate crisis rather than to bring the guilty to justice. As the Valley erupted in protests, the army claimed it had initiated a speedy investigation, and Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley assured a “fair inquiry” as well as action against the guilty. These are well-worn responses, trotted out every time a new incident of army brutality occurs in Jammu and Kashmir. Yet Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signalled a keenness to craft a new moment in the Centre’s relationship with J&K, as indicated by his symbolic Diwali visit to the Valley. His promise will now be tested.
The unaccounted killings of J&K have created an enduring sense of wrong among its people. In a Valley still reeling from the worst floods in decades, the Chattergam killings have become a fresh source of anger and disillusionment with the state. Now, more than ever, and not just because an assembly election looms near, Modi must show that his Diwali touchdown was not an isolated gesture.
