Tackling Terror: On Civilian Deaths in J&K

increase in the number of civilian deathsIn a major setback, the number of violent incidents in the Kashmir Valley, including from the minority community, was the lowest in five years after the recent terrorist attacks. allegedly orchestrated by a shadowy force calling itself Resistance Front (TRF)These killings, being perpetrated by the Lashkar-e-Taiba by security forces, have resulted in fear among the minority Hindu and Sikh communities of the Valley. Despite statements from mainstream political parties and separatist organizations condemning the violence, many Kashmiri Pandits and Sikh workers remained away from work or temporarily taken leaveconcerned about their safety. It is an unfortunate outcome that recalls the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits due to terror attacks in the early 1990s. Reversing this dangerous trend requires not only assurances of security from the government for minority communities such as Pandits and Sikhs, but also a commitment of solidarity with the various political forces and the victims of civil society. The targeted nature of the killings by a “worthless” terrorist group suggests that it was intended to use the unrest in the Valley along with recent administrative and political measures to incite communal discord and violence.

Apart from political condemnation, civil society in such situations should take the initiative to promote communal harmony and organize people in communities against hatred. In this regard, recent appeals by some mosques in Srinagar to show solidarity with the victims and prevent further escalation of fear among Kashmiri Pandits is a welcome move that should not allow the situation to deteriorate in the initial days. Indicates intent. 1990s. The UT administration took strong action on militancy and sought to isolate and eliminate the terrorist network allegedly responsible for the attacks. Though political and civil society response and administrative action by the government are necessary, they are not enough to restore normalcy in the Valley. The suspension of politics, coupled with the absence of an elected assembly, and the stagnation and isolation that had arisen since the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, its division and designation as a union territory, made the task of administration even more difficult. Will give An immediate renewal of the political dialogue to restore statehood and address it with full restoration of political and press freedoms will help create an environment to isolate and deal with terror in the region.