J K News Today Commentary
By Binoo Joshi
New Governor Satya Pal Malik has remained steadfast in his devotion to the democracy against all odds and the worst case scenario woven by many in Jammu and Kashmir since he took over last month..
Malik has read the pulse of the problem in Kashmir – the great alienation of the youth in Kashmir because they are lost in the vortex of uncertainty with no credible voices and hands to lead them. That, he could do so in such a short period, rather the shortest period , shows that how keenly has he watched the situation and gone deep into the malaise afflicting Kashmiri youth.
Against all the perceptions that came along with his arrival to the State that Malik would be toeing the BJP agenda and a very hard policy would be given a push , Malik has shown that he knows what to do and when . Delhi, of course, would be having its own way of dealing with the situation in the Valley , which is troublesome and worrisome . But, the man who is executing it is doing in a way that helps bridge gaps between the Centre and the State.
On the very first day of his assuming office on August 23rd, a message had gone around that he is not any party’s man . He had set aside a suggestion that he delay his swearing-in ceremony because a BJP leader and union minister was late by few minutes. The aide was told in clear terms by Malik that he is Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and not of any party . That delivered a resounding message about his way of thinking and future action .
In Kashmir , there is a common perception that the Centre is executing a hard policy through Governor’s administration as there is no buffer between the people and the powers that be . By interpretation , it means that the Governor would patronize the hard ways of dealing with the situation . Instead , he has made it clear to the security forces that they were free to take action against those who have taken guns against the state . But, at the same time cautioned them, that they should be doubly careful that not even a single civilian should be hurt , physically or psychologically by their actions .
In simple terms , it means that the civilians would know that the security forces are working within red lines . This idea has delivered two benefits that the security forces were working only against those who were indulging in the bloodshed or the hold an imminent threat of bloodshed . As far as commoners are concerned , they are to be respected as respected as dignified citizens and their right to safety and security guaranteed.
What has been seen all these days – though these are not more than 30- that while the militants have faced the military action , the civilians have not been touched . There have been few incidents in which civilians were injured in police action but that was wing to the situations that arose after the gun fights . Civilians , by and large, have understood that they are safe.
The most ticklish issue emerged twice during the first month of his tenure – the abduction of the family members of the policemen on August 29 and then the abduction and killing of three policemen on September 21st. He knew what was the design of militants in this brutal action – to spread resentment and anger against the State- but he immediately handled the situation with a clear-headed approach .
Satya Pal Malik has made his mark .
