Massacres not the first jolt to peace initiative

Massacres not the first jolt to peace initiative
NAZIR MASOODI

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 4: While the massacres in Jammu and Kashmir have sent shock waves in the country, this is not the first time that the perpetrators of violence have tried to hijack the peace initiative in Kashmir. Since 1992, any overture intended to bring peace has brought about a virtual war in the Valley.

The killing of 100 persons, including Amarnath pilgrims, was apparently aimed at discrediting the cease-fire offer by the biggest indigenous militant outfit, the Hizbul Mujahideen, and subsequent positive response from the Centre. Both parties have resolved to continue dialogue despite the killings, and talks formally began today between Union Home Secretary Kamal Pandey and Hizbul-nominated negotiator Fazal Haq Qureshi.

However, among the public the hope that peace would be restored was shattered after the massacres on Tuesday night. The general perception is that despite the Hizbul cease-fire, peace is a distant dream.

It was the killing of the erstwhile Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Molvi Mohammad Farooq, the late father of former Hurriyat chairman Umar Farooq, which came as the first blow to the emerging peace process in 1992. The Mirwaiz had met George Fernandes who was on a peace mission to Kashmir. The meeting is believed to be the reason behind the assassination of the Mirwaiz on May 21, 1992. Thousands of people took to streets against the killing of the formidable religious leader. His followers also raised slogans against a pro-Pakistan militant outfit.

There was firing at the funeral procession of the late Mirwaiz near Islamia College, Hawal, and 40 people were killed. The incident stalled the dialogue and it proved a major setback for those talking peace.

US President Bill Clinton's visit to India was followed by the massacre of 35 Sikhs at Chittisinghpora. The high-profile visit had brought about euphoria and the hope of a solution in Kashmir. However, these were dashed when unknown gunmen lined up 35 Sikhs against the gurdwara wall and shot them dead. Next day, the US President was to address a joint session of both Houses of Parliament.

The massacres are not isolated incidents to "convey the message of complicacy of the problem". According to columnist P G Rasool, although India and Pakistan were trying to maintain peace during Clinton's visit, the killings indicated that some forces operating in Kashmir are dead against the interests of both countries.

Following the Chittisinghpora incident, security forces allegedly set ablaze dozens of shops and houses at Pattan, 30 km from Srinagar, following a militant attack. The same day, a suicide squad of militants stormed a Border Security Force camp at Channapora locality in Srinagar. More than 50 BSF men were held hostage for 18 hours. Six personnel were killed 10 injured. Security forces later stormed the building and killed two `fidayeens'.

In 1995, when the Government had done some groundwork for holding Assembly elections, militants occupied the Charar-e-Sharief shrine. Security forces then laid siege for more than a month. The gunfight saw the 700-old shrine being razed and the entire town devastated.

The proposed elections were delayed for more than a year after widespread protests and resentment against the inferno. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, former Hurriyat chairman said the stopgap arrangements would not put an end to the turmoil as the Kashmir problem, which is a human issue, needs a lasting solution.