Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quite emphatic in emphasizing that “embracing the people of Kashmir and not the bullets” was the only way to address the Kashmir problem. His speech from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 72nd Independence Day and mention of Kashmir sounded like an echo of what he had said on this occasion last year from same iconic place where dawn of Indian Independence came alive on August 15, 1947.
This statement of hugging the people and not using the bullets to resolve the problem often is read in its literal meaning that the military approach against the militants would be replaced by taking the people into a tight embrace. This is oversimplified interpretation of the PM’s statement. The use of the metaphors of embrace and bullets needs to be understood in perfect sense of the intentions with which these phrases were spoken by the Prime Minister.
If looked at closely, it reveals the divisions that exist between this State and the rest of the country, and at the same time it talks of reconciling the differences between the two. It is only when the differences and divisions become too alarming to handle that the talk of reaching out to the people starts taking a meaning and shape. This is a difficult task that Prime Minister has assigned to himself and his government since August 15, 2017. Last year, the phrase ” embracing the people of Kashmir” and discarding the abuse sparked off excitement and anticipation. This time there was skepticism, and it is evident to everyone why this doubt has been cast on the expressions that should have been received for their richness. There is a gap and it cannot be bridged overnight.
As a matter of fact, this reflects that the divisions do exist between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country. Despite his speeches courting outreach to Kashmiris, the emotional disconnect is a stark reality staring at the well –intentioned people in the country. This disconnect did not emerge under Mod. i’s watch. It was there already. But it did widen further in the past over four years of his rule at the Centre. The standoffs have become solid and seem unbreakable because the words lost meaning somewhere.
It is pointless to count the reasons – there are plenty of them at the Indo-Pak axis and also at the J&K- Delhi axis. The start of Modi’s innings was very high on symbolism of friendship with neighbouring countries, and Pakistan, by all means, is the neighbour that figured prominently on his agenda. He had invited all the heads of the state and government of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation ( SAARC) to his swearing-in ceremony on May 26, 2014. The overwhelming view within the SAARC is that the wrangling over Kashmir by the two countries has prevented the goal of larger cooperation of the regional grouping.
Pakistan considers Kashmir as a “core issue”. India does not entertain this position because of the historical and geographical reasons. There is a need to find a way out by seeking middle path.. The dialogue should aimed at ending all the irritants but unfortunately the prospects of talks are marred by the bad-mouthed accusations.
New innings must begin with regard to Kashmir and Pakistan also Pakistan. The triangle is an inescapable reality. Delhi needs to embrace Kashmiris without losing a moment. The troubles are deep and the time is limited. More civilians are getting killed by the militants and the encounters have become order of the day. These troubles are more worrisome than these were in 1990s, reckoned as the most violent and disturbed period in the history of Kashmir.
Time is limited. Three generations have lost their future and as the things stand, we have cast a thick shadow of darkness on the newer generations. This is unacceptable. We cannot set off newer generations on the path of self-destruction.
If the timely steps are not taken, the whole blame will come to India and there will be more of international censure that no country can afford in the world struggling to steady itself against the rising tide of right-wing politics and declining economy.
Coming back to the words of Prime Minister Modi, it is now imperative for him to follow the path laid out by his Guru Atal Behari Vajpayee. The man who sought to traverse the path of humanity in Kashmir is no more. Modi’s responsibility to follow the path of Vajpayee vis-à-vis Kashmir has increased.