Wave Of Violence Hits Indian-Administered Kashmir: The Symptoms Of An Unresolved Dispute

Over the past few days, civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir have taken to the streets in a series of protests against Indian forces. The unrest on Tuesday came in response to the killing of two suspected militants in the Pulwama district of Kashmir. One death occurred during a gunbattle with Indian forces, while the other was a protester who was fatally shot of in a subsequent demonstration demanding an end to Indian rule in Kashmir. The recent upsurge in protests has largely been spearheaded by students who have been pelting stones and chanting anti-India slogans. In recent years, many Kashmiris, particularly the youth, have demonstrated their open solidarity with anti-Indian militants and separatist forces. Al Jazeera reported on Thursday that two Indian soldiers and two fighters were killed in subsequent clashes.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Muneer Ahmad Khan, reported that the two militants were killed after police and soldiers sealed off the southern village of Hakripora early Tuesday. He said that the trapped militants opened fire at the troops, thereby instigating a gun battle that lasted approximately two hours. Villagers also reported that Indian troops struck two civilian homes with explosives during the operation. Meanwhile, the two militants targeted and killed in the attack were identified as Abu Dujana, a top Lashkar-i-Taiba commander, and his associate, Arif Nabi Dar.

Lashkar-i-Taiba (‘Soldiers of the Pure’) has been labelled as one of Pakistan’s largest militant organizations and has been blamed for several deadly attacks across the border (most recently there was the 2008 Mumbai attacks in which 174 lives were lost). Though the group’s activity has largely centred on fighting against India’s presence in Kashmir, the Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium branded the group as being an evolving global jihadist threat. One Indian newspaper, The Deccan Chronicle, reported that Abu Dujana was featured as number one in the list of ‘most dangerous terrorists’ that was realized by the Indian army in June this year. As Dujana escaped previous targeted operations, officials have termed his killing as being a ‘huge achievement’ for Indian security forces.

With that said, the protests against the killing of Dujana and his aide soon spread across the region, most notably to the summer capital of Srinagar, as students boycotted classes and marched in protest while hurling stones at Indian forces. Around 40 people were injured in the ensuing confrontations.

The responses by the Indian forces have been manifold, ranging from immediate defensive action by means of pellet guns and tear gas to precautionary measures, such as the closing of all educational institutions. The Kashmir University, which was also the site of youth protests, announced the postponement of all examinations, which were scheduled to be conducted on Wednesday. Indian officials also cut off internet service in the region to prevent activists from stoking up tensions via social media platforms. Rail services were also allegedly suspended as the situation across the region remains increasingly volatile.

These protests come just after a series of arrests of various separatist leaders and recent demonstrations on the 29 July, against a court decision to grant bail to five Indian army officers who were accused of murdering three Kashmiri civilians in 2010. According to a report by al Jazeera, the deaths, labelled as ‘extrajudicial killings,’ have incited anger from protesters who, due to the release of the army officers, have consequently described the judges as ‘thieves, scoundrels and occupiers.’

Kashmir remains a hotly contested part of the world, divided by an unofficial border called the ‘Line of Control’ that separates Indian-held Kashmir from Pakistan-administered Kashmir. It is perhaps no surprise that internet services have been choked as a result of recent protests, for Kashmiri youth are often galvanized into action through the collective solidarity displayed on social media platforms. Anti-India sentiment remains deeply-rooted among Kashmir’s predominantly Muslim population and most support the cause against Indian rule.

As such, persistent waves of violence will inevitably be triggered until the deeper problems of sovereignty and self-determination are confronted. The Indian army cannot ‘shoot’ their way out of the problem, nor can both India and Pakistan continue to treat this merely as a territorial dispute. Both sides must ask the people of Kashmir about their aspirations so that the frustration that has been brewing for years might finally, and constructively, be addressed.

Hina Khalid

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