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Written by: Fatima Chand

Category: ARTICLES

Published: 12 June 2015

If the Indian Army can successfully wipe out pending threats off-border in Myanmar, then why not do the same at home in Kashmir, after all it considers this green gold to be an integral part of India, doesn’t it? Kashmir has been riddled by off-border terror for decades. Why wasn’t the same done to make things easy for Kashmiris. Occupancy by the Indian Army in the state has not seen any light either. In fact, this has created hatred in the hearts of people towards those in the camouflaged uniforms.

Why, because, the so-in uniforms have misused their power and tainted the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Instead of protecting the citizens, they have terrorized and killed innocents. If this is what the Army is proud of, then they better look at their consciousness that is if they have any.

And the army in Kashmir does not fall anywhere near humane. Encountering innocents and orphaning young children…this is their open operation because no one can question their actions. They are answerable to no one. Lack of transparency has given them the power to do what they like. What is the need for AFSPA to be continued in Kashmir when they are no able to stop the flow of terror from across the border?

Over the years, a lot has been said about this issue. Governments have come with promises, talked the talks and disappeared, at both the centre and state level and yet AFSP remains. Why? Here’s a thought…if the act is revoked, the government would be forced to pay hefty salaries to the army for sitting home. Another thought is that, if the issues of Kashmir are resolved once and for all, what will be of the politics? How will future governments lure people to vote them into power? What will be their base, their trump card? The current state, Mufti Sayed’s PPP came to power because of promises to revoke AFSPA. After five months of rule, the promises remain to be fulfilled, a distant dream for the people of Kashmir.

The army continues to wander in the streets of Srinagar to the mountains and valleys of Kashmir, sneaking in and out of jungles and apple orchards…intimidating the citizens with its guns and utility vehicles. This is one of the reasons why the green state lacks development. There is no industry. Health services are not up to par and youths are unemployed. Tourists trickle in every now and then but not as expected. Hotels remain empty. Kashmir as a state has a lot to offer. It can become the shining state overnight if funds are channeled rightly and AFSPA is revoked. Take the army back and see it flourish.