Way out of Kashmir imbroglio

Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 23

Thursday’s attack on Public Works Minister Naeem Akhter in Tral in south Kashmir in which civilians were the worst victims tells a story of recurring security threat in the Valley.

Two civilians were killed and many more wounded in the grenade attack that served as a grim reminder that the militancy is far from over.

It is becoming increasingly clear that not only the ministers are on the target list — there have been attacks on other ministers too — but a situation is being developed in which the distance between the government and the people is being widened by the blood-letting grenade attacks.

During his discussions with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor NN Vohra had laid an extra stress on security management that implied the need for a secure environment for the people to move freely and air their genuine developmental and educational demands. Tral has proved that unheeding the voices of reason and farsightedness has ugly consequences.

Closely connected with the security arrangement is the “accountability of the government.”

The on and off approach towards governance is spelling disaster. The government is cocooned for it lives in a world scared of militants. Its condemnation is selective – that has been true for the past many years. Militants have exploited this weakness of the government and its machinery.

Eradication of corruption is the most important component. The corruption has eaten away the vitals of the state, and Kashmir is abuzz with a sentiment that nothing works here unless the palms are greased. A genuine and meritorious candidate rarely gets his due in jobs and admission to professional institution.

The institutes have been made hostage by political powers, transparency has been reduced to a phrase. The academic activities are suffering as there is no wall between the street violence and classrooms.

They have been made partners in troubles with frequent closure of schools and colleges as if that is the warranty for calm. There also is a distortion in the education system.

The grassroots democracy is absent hence the people are losing hope. The elections to panchayats and local bodies give real sense of democracy and self-governance. But the vested interests are not willing to share the power. That is where the unrest floats quite high.

Govt-people gap being widened

It is becoming increasingly clear that not only the ministers are on the target list but a situation is being developed in which the distance between the government and the people is being widened by the blood-letting grenade attacks.