Speaking to academicians, scholars & students of faculty of Law & Mass Communication of Vivekananda Mass Media Institute, Senior Advocate and Indian National Congress leader Ashok Bhan said that Modi government should acknowledge that use of military force alone is not a solution to the complex situation of Kashmir.
“It has to be a blend of engagement and dialogue with all the stakeholders. It is the psychological, attitudinal, social, political and economic grievances that need to be addressed. Therefore, the government should worry more about winning back the trust of the people and let militancy be handled by the security forces,” Bhan said.
Bhan said that the Union of India needs to act now and engage with the youth of Monday and all the relevant stakeholders and Kashmir’s leadership including those who for their own reasons have not been the part of Country’s democratic process in a serious dialogue.
Bhan further said that Kashmir deserves to be managed by a “long-term vision” that can encompass a comprehensive process to resolve the imbroglio instead of dithering. “Within the Kashmir Valley, despite the success of the security forces in eliminating top militant leaders, the recruitment to the militant ranks is on the rise with even educated youngsters are getting recruited. Militancy in the Valley also seemed to be changing qualitatively and is unabated for 3 decades,” he said.
Bhan said that New Delhi needs to approach the issues keeping in sight the fact that India’s strategic and democratic interests are intertwined with the goodwill of the people especially Valley’s ordinary people, including Kashmiri Pandits, and not the land alone. “Before the new age violent unrest and upsurge gets further out of hand, New Delhi needs to deal with the issues with a grand vision,” he said.