Impressions from the Kashmir Protests

The recent tensions in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir have not surprised many. The nation-wide shut down on July 5th attracted more attention than curfew restrictions in parts of the Kashmir valley. However, the recent protest demonstrations do not strictly fall in the segment of terrorism related issues inflicting the state since the past two decades. A section of the Indian population dissatisfied with the Government is participating in protest demonstrations. At least 11 people have been killed in the Kashmir Valley in firing by security forces on stone-pelting mobs protesting against alleged human rights violations.

[Photo Courtesy: The Hindu]

UPDATE: With four civilians killed in the past 24 hours and 70 others injured as the police opened fire to quell demonstrations in different parts of Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday sought the Army’s help in tamping down mass protests that have not abated despite several days of curfew.

The Government of India is referring to it as a law and order problem prompted by separatists. The incident and follow up official reaction indicates that the Government’s priorities in the state are more security oriented than conditioned by requirements of ensuring stability. Maintenance of law and order and prevalence of armed forces can ensure security. Good governance and winning the ‘hearts and minds’ of the local population warrants stability.

According to India’s Home Minister P. Chidambaram, “On June 25 (at Chankhan Bridge, Sopore) and on June 28 (at Kapra Cinema Hall, Sopore) the CRPF had to use force in self-defense.” Nevertheless, the Home Minister has assured that issue of ‘excessive use of force’ shall be examined and the CRPF has been instructed to “observe maximum restraint”.

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According to Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of the state, the recent incidents reflect the frustration emerging from the failure of political dialogue rather than failure of governance. According to him prospects of talks with separatists within the state have greater possibility of success when a parallel process of India-Pakistan dialogue is underway.
In a press conference Omar Abdullah, appealed to all the parents to counsel their children, “to ensure that their children do not come out and engage security forces in stone pelting…It is not a simple law and order situation. This is a battle of wits. It is a battle of ideas and ideologies. Various anti-national forces and vested interests have come together to foment trouble. It is extremely unfortunate that vulnerable youth are being incited and brought to the forefront resulting in such tragic incidents.” C.M. Abdullah has held three rounds of interactions with the locals since the recent deaths to “listen to the people” and consider their suggestions.

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The concerns expressed by the Home Minister and Chief Minister are impressive but general apprehension for the official policy is strong. Why was it possible for separatist elements to influence “children” in the state to attack security forces? What prompted the “children” to confront heavily armed security forces with stones? According to C.M. Abdullah stones and guns can’t change the political map of J&K. But what point were these protesters making by resorting to stones and “not” guns? Moreover, it is important for the political leadership of a democracy to be ‘visible’ during crisis situations. H.M. Chidabaram deferred his previously scheduled trip to the state, by stating that “after things have quietened down, I will then consider visiting”.

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Government officials and the media are out to convince that the Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage to a famous Hindu Shrine in J&K) has commenced and has not been disrupted due the curfew situation in the State. The pilgrims will obviously cooperate and not confront with the officials of the State Government and personnel of the security forces to smoothly complete their journey. Thereby reaffirming the case that it is possible for the State government and security forces to maintain law and order and undertake challenging assignments if people cooperate. However, if people refuse to cooperate and throw stones at the security forces, the latter are compelled to use force.

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This official stance on the recent mob deaths in the State raises two questions. First, does the CRPF not have non-violent means of mob-dispersal and were these employed to scatter the protestors? Opening fire is the instrument of last resort while dispersing mobs, especially when the armed forces and protestors belong to a democratic state. From tear gas to water cannons, the armed forces have a variety of options to dissolve crowds of protestors.

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Second, public protests are an integral part of people’s struggle in India. The national movement is a chronicle of violent and non-violent protests by the people against British rule. Though governments in India have been democratically elected since independence, people have continued to use different forms of public protests to express dissatisfaction. Official reaction to earlier instances of public protests around the country has been somewhat similar to the one in J&K. In 2007, 34 people had died in protests at Nandigram, West Bengal over the issue of creating a Special Economic Zone in the area.

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The state and central governments contend that the only way to solve the problems in J&K is through dialogue. The instrument of dialogue is unduly advantageous for the Government. The Government has the means to conduct a reasoned dialogue, but it is naïve to expect that the multitude of people can bring the same degree of rationality while approaching the Government. It is possible that most of the protestors were on the fringe of the ‘popular’ civil society in the state and thereby lacking any means to approach the government.  

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Pushing State defined concept of protests along with curfews is a good way to ensure security in J&K. However, alienation resulting from such measures will make achievement of stability, in terms of sustained socio-economic growth and political participation, a great challenge.