Tolerance in Kashmir Issue – Way Out
Ruchhita Kazaria
Abstract – This paper is an attempt to passive terrorism. That a broad spectrum of
initiate a dialogue with fellow peace- government officials, political leaders, and
rooters and activists on the carefully other figures who share its concerns, be
careless uncertainty of the political and brought together to micromanage issues
security situation in Kashmir. As a and explore proposals in a serious light.
peace-activist, I believe that the solution
I. INTRODUCTION
lies in creative policy measures to
As I was writing out this paper, it filled me
restore peace and normalcy in the
with an acute sense of positivity. This paper
turbulent region. This conference is a
is about looking beyond, looking ahead of
conscious platform to highlight the
the issues that are clawing us down. And
challenges posed by rising militancy and
because this paper spells hope, I am glad to
radicalisation, the political instability and
be presenting it. For I have been told, since
the drifting economic and governance
my formative years, and I completely believe
structures in the state. The participants of
in it - that the world isn’t dying for gold or
the conference are convinced that the
riches … it is dying for a little bit of love and
dangerous and tragic situation in Kashmir
a lot more hope. That people do not die
calls for fresh and sustained efforts to
because of the lack of health-care but they
break the deadlock. Well-informed and
often die because they lack hope! And
well-meaning individuals from the civil
maybe because this term, ‘hope’, fills me
society will need to come forward to make a
with unprecedented joy that I got drawn to
significant contribution to these efforts. It is
Aman Ki Asha, for it too, smelled and spelt
appreciated that the participants will have
of hope!
different perspectives on the issue but shall
be united in the conviction that the conflict
To stitch the Kashmir narrative simply,
be peacefully resolved and that all stake-
allow me to quote Amit Ray, from his book,
holders exhibit a sense of responsibility - to
Peace on the Earth: A Nuclear Weapons
not be fence-sitters and propagators of
Free World. ‘The Kashmir issue was
001
created out of fear, mistrust and animosity organized peace movement, Aman Ki Asha,
and it should be solved through courage, got together, to draft this statement:
trust and friendliness. It should be solved 1. There is no violent solution to Kashmir. It
from the ground of development of has to be based on dialogue and
brotherhood, education and prosperity and reconciliation.
not from the ground of religion, terrorism or
military actions. It just needs more 2. The Indian government must replace its
character, more courage and more current methods of dealing with dissent and
compassion’. develop a sensible, non-lethal method of
managing the situation. Pellet guns must be
The world today reeks of passive terrorism immediately shelved.
and a growing lack of empathy. Nothing
matters, nothing seems to affect a man, 3. Stone-pelters must replace their
who is aloof, on his oblivious island of methods with non-violent ones.
utopia. The world today is battling the
elephant in the room and has perfected the 4. The intimidation of the moderates in the
art of pretending-to-sleep. As we near region must stop.
Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, we are
reminded of his vision, where he so 5. Kashmiris of all shades must be made a
eloquently stated, ‘Be the change that you party to the peace process and peace
wish to see in the world.’ As the civil society, dialogue so that the two governments get a
it is our duty to cultivate empathy for the perspective of people as well.
world deserves a happier song. The solution
to Kashmir lies in dialogue, proactive 6. Peace mongers in India, Pakistan and
troubleshooting, with large, selfless Kashmir need to sit together and explore a
portions of empathy. possibility of a joint stand and policy on
Kashmir.
II. SOLUTIONS AT A GLANCE
7. The governments must facilitate dialogue
between Kashmiris of all shades.
On the 12th of August 2016, peace-rooters
from both, India and Pakistan, under the
8. The governments of India and Pakistan
must restart the Comprehensive Bilateral The problem of militancy is directly
Dialogue, with a plan on how and at what proportionate to the unemployment
stage Kashmiri leadership of all shades situation in Kashmir and the poor economic
would be made part of the dialogue. Rather indicators are more often than not,
than starting afresh, the discussion on exploited to facilitate the cause of
resolution of Kashmir should start from insurgents. Opening road communications
where the Manmohan Singh and Musharraf would have substantial symbolic
government left it back in 2007. significance. Promotion of tourism and
finding possibilities like World Bank
9. Sports, art, music and people-to-people investment in Kashmir might aid in bringing
contacts must be allowed without any about the general development of Kashmir.
hindrance. The Government must explore the
possibilities for export processing of
seasonal fruits and other agricultural
III. OBSERVATIONS
products. These steps are likely to ensure
economic independence, thereby creating a
Kashmir, whether we call it ‘a state better opportunity for the success of the
orphaned by history and politics’, in the proposed peace process.
essay by Wilson John or we call it ‘a
mistress of the country that wanted to keep Agitations – whether impulsive or
her close but never tried to win her heart. orchestrated need to be appreciated as
(For) The two never accepted each other grievances against the government and
even after seven decades of bonhomie.’ In a administration. Dialogue cannot be possible
quote by Nayeema Mahjoor, remains an in an atmosphere of violence and
undiagnosed ailment for the country at confrontation. For meaningful, multi-layer
large, with the Kashmiri administration discussions the stake-holders will need to
having remained ineffective and clueless in be calm and exercise public order.
handling the grim situation, with the
Government of India being nonchalant and
IV. PERSONAL AFTERTHOUGHT
confused themselves and with the security
forces not desirous of reviewing security
strategies. Tailor-made, logical policies and an
accessible, sensitive governance structure
needs to be implemented. There needs to and war’. This statement appeared to
be a basis consensus on: be a confirmation that India is at war
1. No compromise with terrorism and with its own people. Such boorish
extremism; anyone who practices/ statements ensure that the pot keeps
preaches violence or is a party to it. boiling because of personal biases.
Hate-mongering will need to be Such statements which are in poor
addressed in a non-threatening yet taste smell of war tactics as no
firm manner. civilized society talks of citizens as
human-shields for military
2. Speedy dialogue with anyone/any operations.
outfit willing to shun violence and
enter into a meaningful trust-building 6. Media & Social-Media monitoring for
process for sustainable peace. responsible reporting of facts without
lending emotions. Kashmiris reported
3. Creating an inclusive balance to end dead with stones-in-hand are labeled
the outsider /orphan /mistress as ‘terrorists’ by unaffected Indians
feeling. This will need inculcating of and ‘martyrs’ by the natives. These
empathy in fence-sitting Indians at narratives that float on social media
large and get them interested in and television add to the bad-blood-
spinning a better narrative of bank in future, serving as potent
Kashmir. reminders of handed-down hatred to
the future generations.
4. Demilitarization would help in making
people and forces less trigger-happy. 7. Introspection on internal frameworks
being made/announced by the
5. Restraint in issuing statements from authorities. These should be in
those in power, that act against the consultation with intellectuals and
already eroded sentiments of the grass-root-level-activists. Until the
state. For example, BJP’s Ram internal unrest is not under control
Madhav recently (2017) spoke of the and appreciated, new policies around
use of human shield by the Indian amending/ abrogating Articles 370
Army in Kashmir, ‘All is fair in love and 35A shall only add to the fury. A
hard-liner approach to setting creative/intellectual bent to the
industries to ensure rapid aggrieved youngsters.
development might not be the best 10. A strategy of WHAM (Winning Hearts
move, by allowing Indians to settle in And Minds) needs to be
Kashmir. Any actions that intend to systematically envisaged and
change Kashmir’s status and promoted. This needs to be a
demographics will only intensify the comprehensive policy and not a
alienation and angst. Reneging basic carrot on social media.
principles and constitutional
guarantees will only further the 11. To propagate a movement seeking to
cause of aggravating the communal resurrect the syncretic culture of Sufi
overtones and disconnecting the Islam. This will help promote
masses inwardly. tolerance and Kashmiriyat. A curated
cultural atmosphere shall help
8. Understanding and appreciating the advocate non-violence and dialogue,
psyche of the native Kashmiris. What allowing the natives to feel less-
is it that they need/aspire for – threatened (as the idea of a singular
Whether it is job creation, a sense of monolithic society needs to be done
freedom or equity in India! The three away with, slowly yet consciously).
A’s need appreciation and addressing
– Angst, Anger and Alienation, within 12. Bringing in fresh leadership by
the teenage population, which is including the new generation; young
frustrated with all institutions of leaders who are sensible and
governance. sensitive in the same vein. These men
and women can seek dignity and
9. Allowing Universities, Vice peace for their brethren, in a more
Chancellors and intellectual leaders effective manner, as there is a
to function autonomously and growing sense of mistrust towards
providing space for a robust civil this government, resulting in a
society. Opening of world-class vacuum in the political scene. Even in
universities and academic institutes its addressing of the tragic Kathua
shall also help in giving a rape and murder, the government
had had failed miserably. The fresh
leadership can also promote cultural
pursuits, concerts, cinemas and
cricket matches to engage with the
youth in a more holistic manner.
V. CONCLUSION
Political change and social actions are
unvaryingly interconnected. Social
stigmas, behaviors and prejudices need
foremost addressing to ensure a united
front for:
Class inequality
Regional, racial & religious
prejudices
Gender centric issues
to overcome divisions, doubt and distrust
within a large section of the region.
