Honest Dialogue The Only Way To Bring Peace

The Centre seems to have failed to find a solution to problems in Kashmir, where the situation has gone from bad to worse during the NDA rule.

- Col Ds Cheema (Retd)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has received support from majority of India’s population during the past three years. However, most of the Indians feel that it has failed to handle one of the most important challenges the country faces- finding a solution to the Kashmir problem. In fact, during the NDA rule the situation in J&K has gone from bad to worse. Political pundits had forecast the present situation when BJP forced itself into the alliance with PDP to form a government in the state. Also, the feeling of insecurity amongst the Muslim community all over the country seems to have increased.

Recent actions by army , which is being fully supported by the political establishment, signals a meditated shift in its approach in tackling the insurgency situation which the Defence Minister has described as ‘war like’. Cordon and search operations in the four southern districts of Shopian, Kulgam, Anatnag and Pulwama in the Valley which are most affected by militancy and pounding the terrorist camps across the LoC are the only options left with army. It has released video clips showing posts in Nowshehra and in other sectors being blown up. Army topbrass has sent the right signal that enough is enough by rewarding Major Leetul Gogoi who tied stone-pelting instigator Farooq Ahmad Dar on the bonnet of the jeep to prevent mob from attacking Election Commission staffin Budgam. Also Army Chief’s statement that ‘punitive fire assault’ is the ‘new normal’ has acted as morale-booster for the troops.