Grievances and sufferings of the people of Kashmir, particularly the youth, remained unattended while the situation deteriorated fast within a short period of seven weeks. This speaks aloud about the inept political leadership of Jammu and Kashmir as well as gross negligence shown in this regard by the government at the centre. Not long ago the people of Jammu and Kashmir had put their solemn trust in the political leadership that currently rules the state through an alliance of National Conference and the Congress. The situation was, however, sought to be handled through bureaucracy and the security personnel. The political leadership was conspicuously absent and not seen as addressing the matters of aspiration and hope of the people.
One glaring flaw in the coalition government at the state level appears to be scoring political points over the coalition partners while the people of the state suffer the consequences. Likewise the coalition at the centre adopts a cold attitude without regard to the special problems of this state. Compelled to make a comparison with the neighbouring hilly state of Himachal Pradesh that attained statehood in 1967, the level of literacy achieved in that state compares favourably with the most advanced states of India, while the people of Kashmir remain 65 % illiterate and cannot read or write. Then how employment in global context can be generated in this region. Then what kind of job plan had so far been formulated. The political leadership holds solemn pledges while returning to power during election but soon are seen living a life of luxury unmindful of their promises.
Frustration and sufferings of the Kashimiri youth and teenagers currently manifested on the pattern of Intifada in Palestine as they resort to stone pelting on security forces. The visibility of armed security personnel in urban areas with dense population appears as an affront to the civilians. People normally cannot tolerate being questioned by security forces in their own country. More so when it is rumoured that youth being taken for “questioning” by the security forces are found missing or killed. There should be concrete evidence of having returned the youth to their households. Government should properly study and address suchlike issues to win the hearts of the people.
Government should ensure against alienation of people of Jammu and Kashmir, North –East as well as people living in the regions earmarked as Mao areas.
Jammu and Kashmir in one area with special status where moderate and hard-line Hurriyat leaders, some of them openly separatists, are ready and intend to mislead the people. In such a situation ignoring the rightful aspirations of the people for providing facility of education for the common and even poor population, not providing employment comparable to other states and ignoring the developmental activity will automatically run counter to assimilating the population in the mainstream.
The slogan of autonomy appears irrelevant in the context of people asking for more jobs and facility of education and solution will have to be found within the framework of constitution.
