Director General of Police RR Swain on Saturday acknowledged that it would take some time to end the militancy in Kashmir, even while the police were constantly working towards achieving the goal of “zero infiltration, zero terror recruitment, zero smuggling of arms and ammunition.” The DGP Swain revealed that the number of local militants has diminished to fewer than 20, the looming specter of foreign militants, continues to cast a shadow over the Valley. Other measures highlighted by the DGP to finish the remaining local militancy include neutralizing “the narrative, an ideology, which justifies, glorifies and supports this (militancy), endorses this, legitimizes this.”
However, it is also true that the challenge of foreign militancy remains very much real. According to the BSF Inspector General, Ashok Yadav, there are intelligence inputs that 250-300 militants are waiting at launchpads across the border. So, the presence of militants along the PoK side of the border, poised to breach the region’s security barriers, is a stark reminder of the persistent threats that loom large. The vigilance and preparedness of the security forces, including the J&K Police, BSF and the Army, remains the key.
However, the challenge of tackling militancy in Kashmir transcends mere security measures. It necessitates a nuanced and mult-dimensional approach that interlaces security-centric initiatives with a political outreach. The decision by the Supreme Court upholding the abrogation of the Jammu and Kashmir special status and directing the Election Commission of India to conduct elections by September 2024 signals a step in this direction. It underlines the importance of a political roadmap to restore stability and address the aspirations of the region’s inhabitants. True, security agencies have intensified efforts to curtail infiltration, recruitment, and arms smuggling. Yet, the challenges persist, primarily stemming from the steady influx of foreign militants.
That said, we need a combined approach—one that amalgamates robust security measures with astute political maneuvering. Political dialogue, community engagement, and socioeconomic development are indispensable facets that complement stringent security measures. It can be an integrated strategy, one that combines robust security measures aimed at thwarting external threats and a nuanced political approach focused on dialogue, inclusion, and development. Achieving lasting peace in the Valley necessitates not just silencing guns but also addressing the undercurrents that fuel the cycle of violence. It’s a collective endeavor that requires a concerted security and political effort to build a future where the echoes of conflict fade, allowing Kashmir to flourish in peace and prosperity.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
