Peace Into Pieces

Syed Ali Safvi

"Indian state is projecting a rosy picture of situation in Kashmir but the facts are contrary." "The process of law that should normally follow any act of violence is entirely absent in the state." "It is army rule in Kashmir and Army is carrying its tasks without accountability. I don't know how India calls itself democracy." – These are not the excerpts from the speech of a Kashmiri separatist leader, but of some non-Kashmiri Indian human rights activists. In a bid to ascertain the factual situation in Kashmir, a team of eleven human rights activists from different parts of India visited Kashmir. After enquiring about a dozen incidents of police and army high-handedness, the team gave its report, which refutes the claims of both the state government and Government of India that the strife-torn, conflict-ridden Valley is limping towards normalcy.

The eleven-member team has categorically written in its report that the picture depicted by the government and the outside state media is wrong. The revelations made in the report are eye-openers for all those who are made to believe that everything is normal in Kashmir. If 'normal' is the word which depicts the present situation in the Vale then I fail to understand where would 'abnormal' fit?

Army and the government have been claiming ad-infinitum and ad-nauseam that the situation in Kashmir has become normal and that the violence has been brought down. But, at the same time they are not ready for demilitrisation. Army has over and again maintained that at a given period of time there are about 1500 to 2000 militants operating in the state. Then it makes no sense to deploy six lakh troops to counter 2000 militants. What is the use of such a colossal force when it is not at all able to put a break on violence? Out of sheer anger coupled with frustration, the men-in-uniform have resort to such inhumane acts which has put to shame even the likes of Hitler and Chengez Khan.

There are umpteen evidences to prove how army has been misusing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state. The abundant powers given to the security forces have escalated human rights violations in the state. Custodial killings, illegal use of force, fake encounters, rapes, illegal detentions, and disappearances have become a regular phenomenon in Kashmir. The paradise of Kashmir has not just been lost but ruined and peace in the Valley has been broken into pieces. For Kashmiris living life itself has become like walking on the minefield. Anytime anything can happen. Each day is a new day of death and uncertainty. Few seconds can change the entire course of life and the world will not be the same place again. Dogged by poor fate, every Kashmir would be thinking in his heart of hearts – "God, why was I born Kashmiri."

Kashmir was the only place where Gandhi had witnessed 'sunshine' and 'sobriety' during the days of partition when rest of the sub-continent was painted red with blood of thousands of innocents. After more than half-a-century Kashmir is the only spot in the sub-continent bleeding with impunity.

Army has wreaked havoc in the state and the state government is watching like a mute spectator. It can not do anything except utter a few words of sympathy to the families which have suffered at the hands of the so-called security forces. In most of the cases no action has been taken against the errant troopers. Moreover, in bulk of the cases the victims of the 'insurgency' and 'counter-insurgency' have not been given relief or compensation, which otherwise is a 'proclaimed policy' of the state government. Holding Round Table Conferences or giving hefty economic packages make no sense when on the other hand human rights violations continue unabated. If India calls Kashmir her 'integral' part then why the Kashmiris are not treated at par with other Indians. If Gujarat Fake Encounters can draw so much criticism from almost all parts of India. Then why Kashmir fake encounters remain by and large unnoticed.

The ground situation in Kashmir will not improve unless and until the Govt. of India or the State govt. (remember, it has the power to do so) revoke the draconian acts – Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA). The govt. must ensure that errant troops involved in the humanitarian crimes should be brought to book so that others would learn a lesson.