Kashmir Situation – A New Phase
By K.N. Pandita
Undoubtedly, Kashmir situation has entered a new phase –- the phase of dialogues, no matter productive or non productive. However, that does not mean the end of externally sponsored and locally abetted militancy.
That also does not imply quick return of normalcy. Can armed insurgency and terror be eradicated lock, stock and barrel? Nobody can vouch for that.
But the symptoms of exhaustion are there with those who have taken upon themselves the task of disruption and disorder. There could be several causes.
ISI has changed its strategy of pursuing its covert design of disintegrating Indian state. Fifteen – year old and prolonged terrorism in Kashmir has been adequately resisted and even repulsed. The changed strategy is to penetrate into the Indian civil society through India’s eastern flank. It means creation of a new nexus with the Bangladesh fundamentalist groups, Naxalites and Maoists who are actived in Nepal.
Unlike terrorism in Kashmir, in opening the eastern flank no finger will be raised directly against Pakistan. Secondly, this strategy is less expensive in comparison to one underway in Kashmir. Thirdly, there are more crucial and sensitive targets available on the plains of India than in the mountains of Kashmir.