Confront This Air

I am sure many people in Jammu still believe that the air quality of Jammu is normal and healthier for all of us to inhale. As of now this scenario prevails only in case when we compare it with neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana and New Delhi. Presently, I would like to share that the suspended particulate matter (SPM) and respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) present in air of Jammu is above the permissible levels and is even surpassing all the earlier records. You should get convinced of this fact as my column is inspired after my recent visit to the office of State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) in Jammu. Few days back we all witnessed what kind of situation erupted in New Delhi when smog engulfed it. In that case, New Delhi blamed neighboring states Haryana, Punjab and their farmers. This was the second instance within days which created a toxic air problem in New Delhi. Before it, immediately after Diwali also air levels in Delhi turned very toxic. By now there are many proven results which have shown that people in Delhi are suffering from lungs (asthma and respiratory problems), chest & throat problems. 

Jammu was once known for fresh air and clean environment but now the problem of air pollution has built up in our city. Almost one month back thick smog was witnessed in Jammu city due to burning of crackers on the night of Diwali which raised levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) to surpass all the previous records. Even visibility was reduced to a large extent because of smog and it was an evidence of how pollutants in air have started putting the health of our people to a grave risk. The fact that the air pollution caused due to emission of smoke and gases from the vehicles and factories kill many Indians every year is not making any impact on government authorities in Jammu. The level of stubble burning witnessed in neighboring states may not be here but pollution caused by vehicular traffic, construction, domestic and industrial activities are very much present in Jammu. The number of vehicles plying on the roads in Jammu has shown a sharp rise over the last few years due to rise in the standard of living and loan facilities offered by the banks. Though several factors are causing air pollution here but up till now there is no strict political or administrative action seen to curb this problem. These dangerous levels of toxicity present in the air of Jammu are going unnoticed and are bound to cause various respiratory diseases very soon to our people. Recently, in one of its studies the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that Jammu is among the twenty cities in the world having dirtiest air.

It appears Jammu very silently in the last some years paid a heavy ecological price for all the development activities. Air pollution continues to remain as one of the biggest threats for Jammu residents, as I too got to know of it only after seeing the data collected by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). It is proven that the suspended particulate matter (SPM) and respiratory suspended particulate matter (RSPM) have witnessed a steep rise in the recent past. However, what I observed at SPCB is that the SPCB is ill equipped to take up this task. But why to blame SPCB only, overall on the whole our state is ill prepared to deal with the situation and the government is not taking corrective steps to control this menace. The need of the hour is to take urgent and harsh steps to control air pollution before it is too late.

 While talking with officials in SPCB, I got to know that the old vehicles plying on Jammu roads are one of the biggest contributors to air pollution. They even told me how several extensions are given to increase the life of vehicles by the transport department in our state. What is required is that this practice should be stopped and all such vehicles should be phased out in a time bound manner. Besides, many transporters in Jammu are running their commercial vehicles on kerosene which is furthering this air pollution problem. I believe it is an appropriate time to introduce CNG or LPG as a fuel to run small commercial vehicles. Similarly, appropriate measures are needed to be taken to check pollution caused by factories in and around Jammu because many officials of SPCB have turned a blind eye to such factories. In addition to it, action should be taken against all the brick kilns around Jammu city which are functioning without mandatory clearance. Furthermore, plantations should be done to cover all open spaces in the Jammu city in order to increase its greenery. 

I may not be able to point out here about each and every thing which is polluting the air quality of Jammu. But whatever I have pointed out is a big threat to the health of people in Jammu and all this is happening due to the failure of the government. Health of the citizens should be the prime concern of any government and the government should not hesitate in taking harsher decisions to safeguard the health of the citizens. Some of the departments such as forest, transport, industries, pollution control board, traffic police etc have to work out a strategy to check rising pollution levels in the state. Surprisingly, no one is taking it seriously and appears that it will be discussed only when the problem will become too clear to ignore. I appeal to government officials to wake up from the deep slumber and confront this air as we all breathe the same air.

Whiff Of Politics In Braid Chopping

By now you all must be aware of these braid chopping incidents which have been taking place in J&K. I am sure initially, like me you too, must have started hearing about such incidents when they were happening in areas of Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana. Finally, after these states this braid chopping reached J&K. It started particularly from the Jammu region and increased like a wildfire in a very short span of time. These braid chopping events turned into hundreds of cases and by now almost 250 cases in Jammu region are registered by police. However, the sad part is that up till now no one has been arrested.

In the beginning, the situation was such that every day two-three cases were getting reported in the Jammu region. Moreover, from areas like Akhnoor, Arnia, Miran Sahib, Bishnah & Samba maximum cases of this braid chopping were getting reported. Though this all was happening in different areas, very similar statements defining these incidents were given by ladies who were getting affected. Whenever the braid chopping incident happened with any lady, out of all these affected ladies some said that they fell unconscious; others said they saw nothing and while some said they saw some shadow. These same comments given by the affected ladies furthered the panic among ladies all over Jammu region.

The rumor mill started working once again and propagated the ideas like; that it is handiwork of some tantrik and several people blamed it on a group of men for such incidents. There was absolute fear among ladies who were trying different methods in order to save themselves from such an incident. While this all was happening, doctors and psychiatrists on their own lines held these incidents as a psychiatric problem and a pure case of mass hysteria among ladies. They justified their claim by reminding of earlier events when statues of God were seen drinking milk & tears coming out of portraits in many countries. 

Then came a time when these incidents slowed for some time in Jammu and many, like me, believed that it was over. But this didn't end; rather it was another beginning as braid chopping was reported from the Kashmir region. More than 100 cases till now have been reported in Kashmir. However, the most important turn came in this braid chopping incident when protests started happening over it in Kashmir region. People have started coming out on roads to lodge their protest against these incidents. In addition to it, restrictions are being imposed in many areas as people are getting injured as they are engaging with security forces. Events took an unfortunate turn when panic struck Kashmiri people killed a 70 year old innocent man in Anantnag district, believing him to be a braid chopper. 

While this all is happening one has to watch out as how the braid chopping in Kashmir is now giving out a whiff of politics. The overall feel came to me when I noticed that one after another political statements are coming in Kashmir on this issue. To start with, just see how the J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti assured stern action against the culprits. Though there is nothing wrong on her part in saying that but I believe it was deserved weeks back when all such incidents started happening from Jammu. Even a senior leader of the Congress party in J&K demanded compensation of one crore for the victims of braid chopping. The amount demanded as compensation itself shows that it is totally out of proportion and is just a method adopted to add some sympathy in this problem. It didn’t end here, as one of the women leaders of National Conference (NC) has blamed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for all these braid chopping incidents in Kashmir. Interestingly, even the separatists have joined this debate and are openly joining the mobs that are protesting against braid chopping. They are accusing the security agencies and Government of India for all these incidents. Such was the intensity of this problem in political circles of Kashmir that the J&K police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe these incidents. Besides, police have announced a reward of Rs 6 lakh to get leads on the braid chopper.

I have a simple question – why is it that none from the political circle of J&K spoke in such a manner when these incidents were happening in Jammu? Sadly, in this case also the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) being part of the coalition government didn’t speak anything in favour of Jammu. Lethargy shown by the political set up for people of Jammu is not new. This thing is clearer ever since the BJP hasn’t been able to defend the interest of Jammu. We all can very clearly see that instead of it being taken as a social problem in Kashmir, braid chopping has become a law and order issue. Recently, the braid chopping matter reached the High Court of J&K after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed over this matter in Kashmir. And the court thereafter has demanded action from concerned authorities over this matter and has given several suggestions to police in order to curb this problem. Perhaps a thing which is worrying is that, it is again like a spark within and the chances of it setting things on fire in Kashmir are possible.

Under Age Drivers On A Risk Point

For the first time, I am writing something which surely is the story of most teenagers in Jammu. Before that, I say it with regret that gone are those days when bicycles were a privileged gift. These days you find teenagers who zoom around on their two/four wheelers. These teenagers are given two gifts by their parents. Firstly, these vehicles and secondly, consent by their respective parents to drive/ride these vehicles without a driving license. I want to convey my opinion on this very big crisis in the most simple manner. All parents should understand that the most critical time everyday for the whole family is when any child of the family goes out riding/driving everyday without a driving license. Basically, all parents are aware that their child has no driving license. So clearly it is they who put these underage drivers on a risk point by allowing them to move out of their houses on these vehicles.

I noted that most of the teenagers presently in Jammu are riding/driving without license. The list of such teenagers is really long. All you need to do is to just start noticing this thing on a daily basis. Start it only in your locality and you will realize how serious this problem is. We all acknowledge that these days life of all people is very busy. And I believe that this is taken as a foremost excuse by all parents who buy vehicles to these teenagers in an age when they cannot get a driving license. Another factor which is adding to this problem is that some parents buy their children vehicles at a young age to keep them in ease. This all further creates an intense situation. Most of these teenagers start by going to their schools, tuitions and finally roam all over Jammu on these vehicles. In many cases they end up with road accidents as these teenagers tend to show off their driving skills by doing stunts. Even girls nowadays show the same adrenaline rush. These teenagers are not at fault completely as their state of mind in this age keeps them always in a hurry. At times the reason for accidents is that they use cell phones and even listen to loud music while driving. My suggestion to parents is that if you want to enquire about your child’s driving habits then go & ask your neighbors as they may tell you the truth. With the rising number of cases of road accidents when teens are involved they try to get away by bribing the men in blue.

I make a humble appeal to parents that you should never buy vehicles for your children until they have a driving license otherwise this can have a great impact on their future. Simply think if your child gets seriously hurt or hurts someone seriously. What all legal consequences will arise if such a thing happens in absence of a driving license? If parents become successful in stopping this then it could ease half of the problem. Before this it is required that parents must make their children aware about the dangers of driving without a license. I know it is very difficult these days because parents succumb to pressure from their children who too are acting under peer pressure. Somewhere this fault lies in the whole society, since this is like a reaction which starts from one family and reaches another family. I have seen in some families how mothers support such demands of their children. Such mothers have reasons like; their children can drop them to any place, in case of emergency they have someone who can drive etc. While doing all this, mothers forget that they are putting their children in grave danger.

Life has become easier ever since these vehicles have come on the roads but presently, all teenagers who drive without license are living an extremely dangerous life. On our part it is required that we take steps to stop them from doing it.  Some measures, if adopted, may help to minimize occurrence of such accidents. Also it is believed that every year hundreds of cases happen in which people get injured in road accidents in Jammu. I am sure like me many other people must be sharing the same concern but awareness in most cases comes only after becoming a victim of such situations. I am sure all parents have dreams for their children so let’s stop children from driving without a license. To all parents my advice is that please don’t play with the life of your child. When it comes to parenting, you have to decide whether you do your job right if you allow your child to go out without a license next time. I wish all to stay safe but sometimes we need to act immediately as time flows.

Drug Web Of Jammu

A fortnight ago, I came across a real life experience which made me understand how high drug consumption among the youth of Jammu is. It all happened when I came to know that one of my friends was taking drugs. My understanding of this prevailing drug menace in Jammu furthered, when I visited a de-addiction clinic at Govt. Psychiatric Hospital near Resham Ghar in Jammu along with the family of my friend. There is an opiod substitution centre where all drug addicts are put on opiod substitution therapy and the same now has been done with my friend. On the other hand, my urge to understand this vicious circle of drugs in Jammu increased when I saw dozens of youth of Jammu getting treated at that opiod substitution centre. I continuously visited that centre for 3-4 days with my friend for medicine and for counseling purposes. Since I wanted to understand how deeply our youth are involved in drugs, I very softly made enquiries from some patients & their family, medical officer, counselor, nurse etc present there during those 3-4 days.  And what I gathered from there was really terrifying. The feedback I got gives me a hint that presently more than 50% youth in Jammu are consuming drugs like intoxicating tablets, charas, ganja & heroine. 

In this all process, I got to know that there are even cases, where school and college going children of several influential families are consuming drugs. On the other hand, there are many parents of such children who are not aware about such activities of their children. And those parents, who know about their children being into such things don’t take them to such government operated centers and are getting them treated privately in & out of Jammu. Mainly, it is because that in this hospital before getting treatment you are required to give your photograph & address proof, after which an identification number is generated on the basis of which one is eligible to get medicine from opiod substitution center. This kind of approach adopted by some families creates difficulty for ascertaining the actual level of this drug menace.  I am sure many among us still believe that Punjab is the state which has high consumption of drug. But let me assure you that Jammu too has an ugly chapter which is written by the drug dealers in Jammu. Moreover, this drug addiction is among all youth, irrespective of religion or community they belong to. This also reveals how one particular stratum of the society in Jammu is targeted by the drug dealers. 

What has also struck my mind, ever since I have seen all of this, is that how can this mafia sell drugs without getting support within our social system? Although police machinery of state claim to take a number of steps to tackle the menace of drugs, with such things happening around it appears that some men in uniform have closed their eyes to this problem.  It is clearly understood that junior police officers who do not take into account this drug problem do it because of their collusion with some colleagues and seniors. Police alone aren't responsible for this problem. For every politician youth is an asset but when it’s about drugs, I haven’t seen any politician in Jammu who came out & declared that he/she will fight to abolish this drug menace. All political leaders in Jammu are very well aware of such prevailing things and in such conditions we shouldn’t call them innocent. Instead, a social organization based in Jammu is playing a tremendous role to counter this drug mafia. Still, let me remind all those who have narrowed their approach towards this problem that they should not think that they could remain untouched from these spreading tentacles of drug problem in Jammu.

I firmly believe that this drug web of Jammu will persist as long as our approach to handle it remains slow and soft.  The situation in Jammu needs close watching. Otherwise, in the next 10 years our failure to control this prevailing threat will produce disastrous results. We need to save the youth from these pleasure giving drugs as they are causing cancer, heart and several other serious ailments among the youth. This life threatening trend among youth has already taken many lives in Jammu. I won’t appear wrong to you, if you can recall that death of someone’s child which (you have heard or read) happened in suspicious circumstances. Finally and certainly, such things must persuade us to do something, big or very small, against drugs before it knocks on our door.

GST In J&K: Signal Of Dual Policy

On 1st July, 2017, one of India's most prestigious tax reform Goods and Services Tax (GST) was rolled out in India. GST was welcomed with a starry midnight gala event on 30th June, at a special session of Parliament held at Central Hall.  The whole event that night was a treat to the eyes of all those who were glued to their TV's.  The roll out happened after the gong was ranged by the President & Prime Minister of India. I am sure all those who were watching this event will keep the sound of this gong in their minds for years to come. Interestingly, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) & Congress party both are claiming that GST was their brainchild and this fact nowadays is even part of an undying debate. However, if we go beyond this debate then we can notice that BJP in one way or another managed to keep the GST issue hanging for many years. For me BJP appears politically very right in doing so, as I believe they had judged in advance the political mileage GST could give to them. Though politically they were very correct but morally they were not. But who cares about morals in Indian politics, as here morals are left far behind & low when something gets politicized. Hence, I think that we all should forget this fact that BJP kept the GST issue hanging and instead should keep a check as to how GST contributes to the nation's growth.

Finally, after the roll out of GST across India the BJP is in a ‘win-win’ situation. But I write it with regret that, in J&K they weren’t able to convert GST as their political achievement. Because of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, it was required that GST got the concurrence of the J&K state government and approval of the President before being extended to Jammu and Kashmir. For this efforts were required at the legislative level in the state as it was an issue which touched Article 370. Therefore, the PDP-BJP government called two all party meetings in order to evolve consensus over the GST issue but these meetings failed. Even a special session of the J&K assembly was called but nothing came out and the assembly was adjourned without any consensus. This all was witnessed mainly because of the perception that was floating in Jammu and Kashmir, especially Kashmir, that the GST will impact the special status and fiscal autonomy of the state. BJP kept convincing PDP that GST adopted across the country should be extended in the state. But PDP wanted the state to retain powers to make laws with respect to imposition of any tax in J&K provided under Section 5 of the J&K constitution. PDP knew that, this if not done could harm them politically in Kashmir. These all events which took place in J&K before roll out of GST turned this economic reform to appear as if it was a political reform. While efforts were still being made by the PDP-BJP alliance, GST came into application across India and J&K was left behind. This delay therefore created some nervousness among traders and industrialists in the state & gave even some of them a reminder of the chaos during demonetization days.

That night in J&K all those who were watching that starry midnight gala event were quite anxious as no one was sure as to what would happen from tomorrow in state. A lot of negative messages have gone out after the failure of PDP-BJP alliance to get GST in J&K that night. Particularly traders in Jammu were totally confused and started assuming that the government had succumbed to pressure from traders in the valley. Moreover, adding to their confusion was how smoothly BJP on central level implemented GST whereas BJP in state was virtually helpless. They were more upset with BJP as they have emotional connection with the BJP in Jammu & never expected such treatment at their hands. Immediately, there was complete economic chaos in the state and pictures of the empty Lakhnpur toll plaza started doing rounds in the media. A week later, GST was rolled out in J&K as per the wishes of PDP by the central government by safeguarding the special position of J&K under Article 370. This surprising move of the central government over GST in J&K made its first impact when the state government in J&K decided to retain imposition of toll tax at Lakhnpur. This step has forced the traders and industrialists in Jammu to protest against the government because of double taxation even when GST promised “One Nation One Tax”. Such unfolding of events in the state has become a major embarrassment for state BJP especially when Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in her address in Legislative Council said that BJP prior to GST has kept the promise of safeguarding Article 370. And this all currently appears to show that there are internal differences within the PDP-BJP over GST. I feel that the state government should take steps to integrate the minds of people in J&K as GST is giving out signals of dual policy adopted by the central government.

World Refugee Day & Tales Of PoJK-DP’s

Since 2001, the United Nations has committed itself to observe 20th June every year as World Refugee Day. As per Article 1 of United Nations 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, a refugee is someone who fled his or her home and country owing to a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. However, inspite of the fact that India has faced many times in the last 70 years and is still facing an acute refugee problem, it is neither a party to the above said convention nor does it have any specific legislation on refugees. On this World Refugee Day, I thought to share with you tales of those people who have spent their whole life as refugees in Jammu. Basically, these so-called ‘refugees’ are those people who migrated to J&K state in 1947, 1965 and 1971from areas which are now known as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Although, their hardships are not less than any refugee but legally they are defined as ‘Displaced Persons’. Interestingly, people who migrated in 1947 have two categories– West Pakistani Refugees (WPR) and Displaced Persons of Pakistan Occupied Jammu Kashmir (DP-POJK). Of them, only WPR have the word ‘refugee’ attached to them as they all are those who came from Sialkot and Punjab (areas which are now in Pakistan) to settle in the state of J&K at the time of partition. It is because they came from Sialkot and Punjab and were not residents of J&K state they are called ‘refugees’. 

On the other hand, DP-POJK people are termed as Displaced Persons because they all migrated in October 1947(when tribal’s aided and abetted by Pakistan attacked them) from Poonch, Muzzafarabad and Mirpur (areas now in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir), which was part of J&K state at that time, to settle in other districts of J&K. Another group of people who are treated as DP-POJK are those who migrated due to Indo- Pak wars of 1965 & 1971 from areas of Chhamb (now in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) to settle in other areas of Jammu region. I believe that though they all have been categorized with different names, what they have common among them is ‘sufferings’. WPR’s are one of the major sufferers as they are not even treated as permanent residents of J&K. Furthermore, they are not allowed to buy any land in the state and apply for the state government jobs. And they can only exercise their franchise in parliament elections but not in state assembly polls. The following years, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) had been supporting their cause but now they believe that even BJP has left them in same situation, as nothing much has been done for them in these last 3 years. Many promises were made to them by BJP before 2014 parliament elections to change their future. If we talk of POJK-DP of 1947, then at the moment, they are in their third generation and are one of the worst sufferers. Many of their relatives were killed, burnt alive, martyred and several of them were forcibly converted in Islam. Young women from their families were abducted to be used as bonded labourers and domestic slaves. After having gone through such tragedies they haven’t yet been given any proper resources, facilities and support for an honorable living to bring up their families and children. In their case also, successive state and central governments kept assuring them of relief and rehabilitation. But as time went, so did these governments and it cannot be denied that they had been politically exploited several times in these 70 years.

The total journey of POJK-DP’s after 1947 cannot be defined in words but yes, a part of it had some moments which provided them interim relief and a hope for a bright future. Following their migration in 1947, initially a Joint Rehabilitation Board was formed for them which allotted them lands in order to settle them. Thereafter, in order to rebuild their lives and provide them more support, the Government of India in 1960 sanctioned Rs. 3500 per family. After 1960, nothing concrete was done which can provide proof that the government was really concerned for their plight. And now came the year 2000 in which the Government of India announced compensation of land deficiency for them. But sadly many claimants did not accept it as they believed that it was too meager as compared to prevailing market price of land. Again many years passed and recently in 2014 a Joint Parliamentary Committee(JPC) was formed for POJK-DP’s which recommended some steps like Rs. 30 lakh per family, reservation to wards in technical institutions, employment package along with other concessions to these POJK-DP’s. Thereafter, the same year even the state government recommended a one-time settlement package of Rs 25 lakh per family to the Government of India. However, the Congress party went out of power both from centre and J&K after 2014 polls which resulted in slowing down of relief measures for POJK-DP’s. Nevertheless, this all didn’t affect the POJK-DP’s fight to get justice and the result of it was that on 30 November, 2016, the centre government approved a Rs 2,000-crore relief package for them. 

It was a remarkable moment, when the relief package was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. All POJK-DP’s families started assuming that finally this government will put a stop to their sufferings. POJK-DP’s families were truly thrilled as they thought that all recommendations of the JPC will be fulfilled soon since it was headed by a senior BJP leader. Sadly, this announcement has increased frustration and confusion among POJK-DP’s, as on the basis of total families identified by the Government of India this amount hardly comes to Rs 5.50 lakhs per DP’s family. This relief package is no way near the recommendations made by the previous state government or recommendations of JPC. Basically, there is no clarification about the total amount of relief compensation to be paid to each family and whether this amount is an installment of relief or is a final claim. Strangely, the centre government has completely turned silent as the issue has become more complicated and entangled. With this all happening, POJK-DP’s are very unhappy and are giving them an unhealthy impression of the present Narendra Modi government. On the occasion of World Refugee Day, I make a humble appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that as you owe them ‘ACCHE DIN’ so you should take some firm steps for POJK-DP’s to curtail their rising anger.

Unfriendly Air In Kashmir

It was summer of 2016 and in July that year, Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani's killing led to an unrest in the valley. Since then I believe there is no peace in Kashmir, as even during winter last year the things did not turn peaceful. Another summer has come this year and on 27th May 2017, Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, another militant of Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed by security forces in Tral area of Kashmir. The killing of Sabzar Ahmad Bhat was witnessed on the very onset of the holy month of Ramzan and this coincidence in a way has hurt the souls of many in Kashmir. Earlier, Ramzan period witnessed a ceasefire kind of approach from both sides i.e. militants and security forces. After this killing, the situation in Kashmir has again turned tense and many areas have started witnessing curfew and protests every other day. The intensity of initial unrest can be judged from the fact that prepaid mobile services were immediately banned in Kashmir following this killing. Incidentally, next month is July and then we shall observe one complete year during which uneasy calm prevailed in Kashmir which started after the killing of Burhan Wani. In the last one year, Kashmir has seen frequent events like killing of political workers, kidnapping and killing of an army man, weapon snatching and attacks on army convoys. Such a routine is back in Kashmir after decades and it clearly reflects that the situation in the past one year has turned very grim.

After this all, so much anger also has been witnessed on the roads of Kashmir but both parties PDP and BJP, who are in alliance aren’t speaking anything about it. In a way, this governmental approach has furthered the idea of this alliance being an “alliance of opportunity”. PDP and BJP got the mandate of the people from two separate regions of the J&K state and at that time, for me formation of this coalition government was like a dream. However, when this coalition was formed, many ideas were floated to counter the allegation, that this alliance is an “alliance of opportunity”, and one such idea was that in time ahead the two regions i.e. Jammu and Kashmir, will come closer only because of this alliance. But this hasn’t happened in the last more than two years and with the present prevailing atmosphere in Kashmir; I think it won’t even happen in the near future. I say this, as I have noted that in previous one year Jammu and Kashmir are deriving pleasure from each other’s pain and politics has played an equal role in it. The alliance seems to have failed to bring people together as the BJP leaders couldn’t develop any acceptability in Kashmir and so is the case of PDP leaders in Jammu. Initially, people in J&K, had some clarity that these parties will now speak for people of their regions who gave them mandate. For this everyone expected that PDP will speak only for Kashmir and BJP will speak for Jammu. Strangely, as time passed, this clarity of thought turned into ambiguity as it is witnessed that both these parties aren’t even speaking for their respective regions.

The intensity of threat is highest as the local youth has started coming out openly on roads in support of militants. Earlier, militants who were killed didn’t get such kind of local support as those killed were foreign militants. But in the past year most of the militants who were killed were local boys of Kashmir. This fact is adding up the sympathy for militants in the minds of local people, the result of this was visible when lakhs of people turned out for Burhan Wani’s burial. Moreover, in the past two decades, when was the last time in the valley we saw women coming out on roads as a stone throwing mob. In addition to it, this year students too have openly come out in support of militants. It is pertinent to mention here that this all gives out a perception that Kashmir has turned more anti-India in the last one year. Stone throwing in Kashmir has picked up tremendously and it appears that use of pava shells and pellet guns no longer scare the angry youth of Kashmir. In total, the situation has declined and one of the examples is that now we need ‘human shields’ to control situations. On the other hand, the opposition parties are blaming the ruling government for failing to control the situation. Though, their claim against the government is right but it gets weak because in the past when such situations (of lower intensity) erupted they also turned helpless.

We all need to analyze some questions which come into my mind every time I see my state burning for days. Firstly, how many more summers in Kashmir will witness such chilling moments? Secondly, are we progressing under the shadow of these killings or our country has moved back on the Kashmir issue? You, I and many others across the world know that youth of Kashmir is being instigated to indulge in violence but just knowing that isn’t the solution. Several governments had failed to end this unfriendly air in Kashmir and it appears to be in continuity even under the present Narendra Modi led central government which promised meeting together of north and south poles in Jammu and Kashmir.