- The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir is three years old and lots of water has flown under the bridge since then. Yes, the local political parties were vociferous in their demands to restore the special status of the most northern state in the country but the Union Government remained steadfast in thwarting the matter from precipitating further. As you may be aware, the petitions questioning the abrogation of Article 370 are still pending in the Supreme Court for want of quick adjudication. But the conviction with which the Union Government has gone about administering in the region is worth applauding.
PC: India TV News Desk
- On its part, the Union Government went about initiating appropriate democratic measures to ensure the people’s representatives take forward the running of the administration eventually. As is its wont, the terrorists duly backed from across the borders too were flexing muscles intermittently posing challenges to the security establishment as well. As reported extensively in newspapers and electronic media, the terrorist-related killings targeting innocent civilians and especially the Kashmiri pandits is on the rise over the last few months. The evolving situation has raised concerns amongst the security apparatus intending to restore normalcy at the earliest.
- We are also aware of how the Pakistani establishment attempted to internationalize the Kashmir issue which was met with very little support anyways. Of course, the delimitation exercise initiated by the Union Government was one of the most critical aspects of the overall strategy to ensure normalcy returns. Against this backdrop comes the news that the Election Commission has decided to push back the publication of final electoral rolls for J&K assembly polls by a month. Such a move not only keeps democratic politics in the Union territory in limbo but also portends security ramifications too.
PC: Times Of India
- Most disturbingly, the return of fidayeen attacks to J&K when two terrorists tried to enter an army camp in Rajouri district, engaging jawans in a gunfight has created a frenzy amongst the Indian security establishment. While both terrorists were neutralized, three soldiers were also martyred in the encounter. The terrorists have changed tactics to create a climate of fear and challenge the Indian narrative of normalcy. Nonetheless, the security forces have thwarted the diabolic elements acting under the tutelage of Pakistani masters quite successfully though. Further, it is noticed with concern about the mushrooming of small extremist networks that now dot J&K perpetrating targeted killings thereby keeping the security forces on high alert.
- On the flip side, the primary focus of the security forces from fighting cross-border terrorism is weaned away whilst concentrating on the local elements. This is precisely why the democratic process needs to be fully restored in J&K expeditiously to empower civil society to root out extremist elements within. Starting a new political chapter in J&K at the earliest is imperative and as such, holding polls in the region assumes paramount importance. Thus, the election commission should push ahead with its efforts to conduct polls sooner than later.
