Retributions  

Another alleged custodial death in Kashmir has led to more violent protests. In the aftermath of the recent revelations about a rogue group of police officers indulging in fake encounters, this allegation, if true, is certain to flame more passions.

As it usually happens, the militancy in Kashmir has allowed degenerate elements in the security forces to indulge in criminal activities. However, it must also be accepted that every war on terror will result in some human rights violations. For all it’s talks about human rights and state department annual lists, Americans have been guilty of human right violations in Iraq. This doesn’t mean that we condone such outrages-every suspected case of police and Army high handness must be vigorously investigate and the perpetrators must face severe punishment. This is not only a moral imperative but is an opportunity for the Indian state to reclaim the trust of the Kashmiri people.

The insurgency in Kashmir traces it roots to the rigged elections of 1986. Political leaders who were denied an opportunity to become a part of the political mainstream jumped to the other side. No doubt, due to grievances real and imagined, in the early nineties, the militancy in Kashmir enjoyed a modicum of popular support. Marches were being held and the average Kashmiri believed that ‘azadi’ was around the corner. Much has changed since those days-the sixteen year old terror campaign has extracted a huge economic price, Pakistan can no longer afford to support the militancy as openly as before and perhaps most importantly-realization has dawned that India will never give up it’s claim on Kashmir. As India makes economic progress, the aspirations of ordinary Kashmiris have changed-from Azadi to issues of Rozi and Roti.

The outrage against encounter killing must be seen in this light. There is nothing a nation state should fear more than indifference of it’s citizens. The protests in Kashmir are not for Azadi but for justice. In their protests, Kashmiris are showing that they are looking towards the Indian state for deliverance. It’s significance can’t be overemphasized-grievances are common in any democratic set up and it is only when the state fails to deliver-extra-constitutional mechanism spring up. The state must take advantage of this change in the mindset and strive to deliver justice-by investigating claims of fake encounters and by handing out exemplary punishment. This would be the greatest confidence building measure.

Not every allegation of fake encounter is true and by showing it has nothing to hide, the state can enhance it’s credibility and build trust. However, it must be ensured that such investigations do not degenerate into a witch hunt against those who have sacrificed so much for the territorial integrity of India.

Fair justice will benefit both-security forces as well as the average Kashmiri.