Recent arrests of resistance leaders and activists by central agencies -- NIA (National Investigation Agency) and ED (Enforcement Directorate) is seen as high-pressure tactics to buckle them under pressure.
Indian Express in its report titled "MHA’s report: Need to control mosque, madrasa, media for Kashmir valley narrative" dated 25.2.2017. In this, IE quotes MHA sources :"On the role of separatists, the report calls for the crackdown by Income Tax and other agencies on them, but at the same time advocates engagement with the moderate faction."
Going as per this report, GOI (Government of India) has lost round one; they were not able to divide the resistance leadership. Instead, JRL (Joint Resistance Leadership) has become more united and stronger.
New Delhi's opinion of this legitimate political dissidence being only because of Hurriyat is a flawed one. Even before 90's when there was no Hurriyat, Azadi -- independence , aspirations were still there.
These attempts to discredit and malign them can prove disastrous. Political dissidents who believe in armed rebellion or violent means of resistance will take the front seat. This can result in more mayhem and bloodshed on the streets of the tormented vale. These attempts will shrink space for any peaceful dialogue.
Long before a revolutionary leader, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah was arrested on the same charges of "illegal" funding. After 11 years of jail, surrendered everything -- once stood for. Some say people failed him -- despite of revolutionary "land to the tiller", others -- he failed the people. This is a deja vu episode in the vale.
Will this be repeated? Or will both leadership and people intensify resistance against oppression and will rejuvenaterejuvenate struggle for justice.
People in vale have been religiously following JRL's protest calendars. Parlell governance by JRL is more impactful than that of de facto regime's. Coercion by GOI, can turn-to-be a watershed moment. This can be a blessing in disguise and may unite Kashmir more than ever it was. Resistance against oppression may be intensified more then ever or otherwise.
(Blogger can be contacted on Twitter @khalidbinbashir)
Published By With Kashmir.
