A genuine reason for anxiety Kashmiris deserve a life of dignity

Tahir Sayeed The word alienation has long occupied a central place in India’s political vocabulary on Kashmir. For decades, Prime Ministers, Home Ministers and senior political leaders have acknowledged that a sense of disconnect existed between the people of Kashmir and the rest of India. It was widely accepted that many Kashmiris felt distanced from the national mainstream, lacked confidence in institutions, and carried the perception of being treated as second class citizens. Successive governments claimed to have pursued policies aimed at reducing this distance, rebuilding trust and integrating Kashmiris into India’s social, political, economic and administrative structures. In recent years, there were signs that sections of Kashmiri society were themselves attempting to bridge this gap. Thousands of students enrolled in educational institutions across the country, professionals sought opportunities beyond the region, and traders and labourers travelled to different states in search of livelihood. These developments reflected a genuine attempt at integration. That process, however, appears increasingly fragile. In recent months, incidents of harassment and violence against Kashmiris in different parts of the country have raised serious concerns. Kashmiri students have been been reporting intimidation, harrassment and violent attacks for a quiet a long time now. But, lately poor traders and seasonal workers, from shawl sellers to dry fruits vendors have too started facing verbal abuse, Intimidation and physical assaults across the country particularly in states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These incidents may appear as isolated, but they will hugely contribute to a growing sense of insecurity among Kashmiris in their own country. which could psychological lead to the very disturbing situation in the times to come. What is striking is that these developments persist despite a recent advisory issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs asking states to ensure the safety of Kashmiri across the country. The continuation of such incidents suggests that advisories, in the absence of strict enforcement and political resolve have limited impact. Equally troubling is the pattern that appears to be emerging. Kashmiris, particularly professionals, are increasingly subjected to suspicion and hostility. The controversy surrounding Kashmiri students at the Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College, who secured admission on merit but were later transferred amid a charged atmosphere, and the viral video from a medical college in Udhampur where Kashmiri doctors were publicly humiliated, point to a deeper problem that cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents. The political leadership maintains that the objective of bringing Kashmir into the mainstream has been achieved. Yet, episodes such as these risk reinforcing precisely the sense of alienation that people at the helm of affairs claim to have addressed. Decades of conflict, instability and mistrust have left lasting psychological effects on Kashmiri society. When efforts to participate in national institutions are met with discrimination and hostility, confidence in the idea of integration is inevitably undermined. At this juncture, there is a clear need for political leadership, particularly at the highest level, to move beyond routine statements. A firm and unambiguous message must be communicated that harassment, discrimination and violence against Kashmiris will not be tolerated. Accountability of state administrations and law enforcement agencies is essential, as is prompt action against those responsible. Kashmiris must be assured that wherever they go in the country ,to study, work, or conduct business ,they are safe, respected, and equal citizens. This is the true meaning of mainstreaming, and only through this assurance can the trust, spoken of for decades, finally be restored.