by M A Hossain 10 March 2023
The withdrawal plan of Indian armed forces from Jammu and Kashmir has been extensively discussed in the transnational community as a positive development towards restoring normalcy in the region. Still, the move has also raised questions about the government’s motives and the future of the disputed territory.
The history of Jammu and Kashmir is complex, and the conflict between India and Pakistan over the region has been ongoing for more than seven decades. In 1947, when British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir were one of the disputed territories. The Maharajah of the region initially wanted to remain independent, but eventually acceded to India. Since then, the Indian government has maintained that Jammu and Kashmir are an integral part of India, while Pakistan claims it as its own.
Under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, Jammu and Kashmir were granted special status, including its constitution and flag, and the power to make laws on all matters except foreign affairs, defence, and communications. However, on August 5, 2019, the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Article 370, arguing that it was a barrier to the region’s development and integration with the rest of India.
The repeal of Article 370 was accompanied by a massive deployment of troops in the region, leading to a strict military lockdown, a curfew, and restrictions on communication and movement. The move was extensively criticized by the international community and human rights organizations, who condemned the Indian government’s human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.
The withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir isn’t a sudden decision which needs to be precisely planned and coordinated. We hope, the Indian government will conduct a thorough review of the situation in the region, including the security situation and the concerns of the local population. The government needs to consult with various stakeholders, including the military, the police, the local administration, and political parties.
The government also has to engage in dialogue with representatives of the Kashmiri people to address their concerns and aspirations. The Indian government’s careful planning and collaboration helped to ensure a smooth and orderly withdrawal of troops from the region.
The withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir isn’t a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires a monitoring and evaluation framework. The Indian government has to set up a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the situation in the region and ensure that the pullout of troops doesn’t lead to a resurgence of violence or insurgency.
The framework includes the deployment of Central Reserve Police Forces(CRPF) to monitor the situation, but should also enhance the use of technology to monitor social media and communication networks, and regular consultations with local stakeholders. The Indian government must set up a mechanism to address grievances and complaints from the local population and ensure that their rights are defended.
The implementation of the phased withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir is a complex and challenging process. The Indian government has to ensure that the withdrawal doesn’t compromise the security of the region or lead to a resurgence of violence. The government has to precisely plan the redeployment of forces to ensure that there are no security gaps.
The Indian government also has to ensure that the pullout of troops doesn’t compromise the rights of the local population, including their right to life, liberty, and freedom of movement. The government has to ensure that the local population have access to essential services and that their day-to-day lives aren’t disrupted by the pullout of troops.
The withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir raises concerns about the future insurgency threats in the region. The Indian government has been keeping a close eye on the situation and has put in place measures to prevent the resurgence of violence. However, there’s still a threat of militants taking advantage of the circumstances and launching attacks.
The Indian government needs to be observant and visionary in dealing with any potential threats. It needs to continue engaging with the local population and addressing their concerns to prevent them from joining the genus of the militants. The government also needs to ensure that the security forces are well-equipped and well-trained to deal with any eventualities.
India can follow Bangladesh with a similar approach in Jammu and Kashmir, by engaging in dialogue with the local population and addressing their grievances. The government can initiate a process of rehabilitation and development to address the economic and social challenges faced by the people in the region. By taking a lesson from Chittagong Hill Tracks of Bangladesh, India can bring a sustainable and peaceful fortune to Jammu and Kashmir.
The withdrawal of Indian troops from Jammu and Kashmir will be a considerable development in the ongoing conflict over the disputed region. While the move has raised questions about the government’s motives and the future of the region. But, the careful planning and collaboration, monitoring and evaluation framework and visionary measures taken by the Indian government will be the way in the right direction towards restoring normalcy in the region.