How India averted a Gaza-like situation in Kashmir

The world stands in shock and awe. Even though the conflict between Israel and Palestine is not news for anybody, the recent terrorist attack by Hamas on the Israeli citizens and the Israeli retaliation on the Gaza strip have rejuvenated a high decibel debate within the Indian society. An average Indian citizen has no direct connection to either Israel or Palestine; however, one can take a geo-political position based on humanitarian grounds as well as keeping in mind the national interests. One faction of the Indian society is convinced that India should stand with Israel through thick and thin to the point of disregarding the human rights of an average Palestinian citizen; another does not hesitate to give apologia for Hamas in their “resistance” against the Israeli occupation. The reality on the ground as well as the foreign policy of India is much more nuanced than that. Contrary to the high-voltage drama in Indian media’s newsrooms, India’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has traditionally been one of support for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully. India has also emphasised the importance of direct negotiations between the two parties to resolve their differences. India maintains good diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine and has consistently called for a peaceful and negotiated settlement to the conflict. India’s stance emphasises the need for a just and comprehensive resolution that takes into account the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. That being said, India has maintained a no-nonsense position against terrorism in all its manifestations. Those citing India’s stand on this recent escalation as being driven by anti-Muslim sentiment of the current dispensation must realise that PM Modi visited Palestine in 2018, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so where he expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and their aspirations for statehood, reinforcing India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the long-standing conflict. One of the first regions India provided a consignment of vaccines to was Palestine. Moreover, in 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognise Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. It is, however, extremely crucial to recognise Hamas as a terrorist organisation that commits gross human rights violations with the Palestinian people in addition to carrying attacks on Israeli civilians. India went very close to the situation in Gaza when Kashmiri militants, closer home, started adopting the Intifada model conceptualised by the Palestinians. Just as the Intifada, literally meaning resistance, involved a grassroots uprising against perceived occupation, Kashmiri separatists started utilising similar tactics in their quest for autonomy. This included stone-pelting protests, civil unrest, and instances of violence aimed at Indian security forces. One notable example is the widespread protests and stone-pelting incidents that occurred after the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani in 2016, sparking a significant period of unrest in the Kashmir Valley. Additionally, terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen waged a campaign of violence, launching attacks against Indian security personnel and civilian targets, mirroring the asymmetric warfare strategy seen in the Palestinian territories. While the dynamics of the conflicts are distinct, there were clear parallels in the tactics employed by both Kashmiri separatists and Palestinian Intifada activists in their struggles for self-determination. The directionless struggle, which was never meant to go anywhere since the beginning, saw a whole generation of Kashmiri youth being sacrificed at the altar by a few power-hungry politicians as well as some leaders of extremist outfits. The funerals of young boys started becoming a nursery for the next batch of radicalised youth ready to kill and die for their version of Azaadi from the Indian state, needless to mention the whole campaign being funded and orchestrated by the Pakistan deep state. From 1989 to 2017, the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir resulted in a staggering toll of 41,000 lives lost. This averages to approximately four deaths daily within the state or an annual average of 1,519 casualties. These casualties encompass 22,000 militants being killed as well as 14,000 civilians and 5,000 security personnel falling victim to the conflict from 1990 to March 2017. The region experienced a staggering 69,820 militancy-related incidents throughout this time frame, translating to an annual occurrence of around 2,586 such incidents, underscoring the enduring impact of the conflict. While the valley was seeing scores of Kashmiri youth being recruited by the extremist outfits, the political parties were engaging in a petty blame game of finger-pointing instead of taking hard-hitting steps in the right direction. In the year ending March 2017, a total of 2,736 incidents of stone-pelting were documented, a surge in unrest following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on 8 July 2016, which ignited clashes and widespread turmoil in the Kashmir Valley. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah alleged that the Mufti government was providing financial support for these stone-pelting incidents. In response, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Mehbooba Mufti argued that the previous government, led by Omar Abdullah, had failed to effectively address the issue of stone-pelting, which had its origins in 2010 when the youth took to the streets to hurl stones. She pointed out that no substantial measures were taken at the time to address this problem. While the way the Indian state has handled the situation in Kashmir may not be perfect, it remains a saving grace that by pulling the right strings at the right time, India averted the potential disaster of dealing with its own Gaza strip on a daily basis. Kashmir is experiencing a transformative journey toward peace, progress, and global cooperation, exemplified by the successful hosting of a G20 meeting. This decision underlines the region’s need for both national and international support to fully realise its potential. Amidst this positive momentum, it’s essential to acknowledge some key developments. In a promising shift, Kashmir has witnessed a considerable decline in stone-pelting incidents since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. While civilian casualties due to terror-related incidents remain a concern, there has been a notable reduction in casualties among security forces during encounters with militants. Furthermore, the region has experienced significant infrastructural and technological progress. Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, is on a remarkable trajectory to becoming a smart city, with various tech initiatives enhancing public services, governance, and overall efficiency. These smart city projects are stimulating economic growth and creating a more favourable environment for both residents and tourists. The cultural vibrancy of Kashmir is also flourishing. In 2022, the region saw an impressive surge in tourist numbers, drawing travellers from across the globe with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. This influx contributes not only to the local economy but also signifies a renewed confidence in Kashmir as a safe and appealing destination. Approximately 1.80 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2022, reflecting the growing allure of the region. Moreover, vital infrastructural developments are reshaping Kashmir’s future. The establishment of AIIMS in Awantipora aims to offer world-class healthcare facilities to the local population. The completion of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest rail bridge, symbolises infrastructural advancements and promotes connectivity and trade between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Additionally, the inauguration of a multiplex in Shivpora in September 2022 is a significant step toward revitalising the entertainment sector, meeting the entertainment needs of locals, and attracting tourists, ultimately contributing to the region’s growth and vibrancy. Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan movie released to a rousing response at Inox Multiplex in Srinagar with all shows recording full occupancy during the day. There was a similar level of excitement for his previous movie Pathaan. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought it up in parliament. During his speech in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi proudly addressed the worldwide success of Pathaan and said that theatres were running houseful in Srinagar after decades. While the separatist sentiment has not completely died, more and more Kashmiri youth have woken up to the reality of a prosperous future in India instead of a landlocked nation falling prey to either the terror factory of Pakistan or military advancements by China. The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost_’s views._ Read all the  Latest News ,  Trending News ,  Cricket News ,  Bollywood News , India News  and  Entertainment News  here. Follow us on  Facebook,  Twitter and  Instagram.