Asem Mohiuddin

Over the last several years, the Kashmir valley is witnessing swelling crowds attending the funeral processions of militants killed in encounters. Although the trend was common since last so many years, however, it picks up fast since October last year when an unending crowd poured into the funeral procession of top Lashker-e-toiba commander Abu Qasim in south Kashmir throwing the security and intelligence grid of valley into tizzy.

The trend since then seems continuing with the latest killing of local militant Shakir Ahmad of Pulwama last week where not only youths and men in thousands followed the procession of slain militant but equally women were seen participating into it. 

The women were seen showering flowers and petals on the dead body, kissing his cheeks, and applying heena on his hands as he died young and bachelor. The warm and rousing farewell to these slain militants is a clear indication of changing political and security landscape of troubled valley. The investment by New Delhi over the years in Kashmir to ensure peace and progress is under question.   

After insurgency of over two decades in Kashmir that broke out in 1989, the Assembly elections in 2002-03 in which large number of people participated was considered politically a transition phase. Since then the elections were much free and fairer and more and more people participating and reposing the faith in ballot process over bullets.  

However, with this transition from violence of gun to ballot box, New Delhi seems to have failed to rein into the political initiatives for lasting peace in the region. Undoubtedly, New Delhi tried to engage with the local youth by offering economic and employment soups but alongside left the considerable political vacuum.

The results are evident with anger seething down the surface. More and more youth in fact well educated area attracted for the armed revolt against establishment. New Delhi must move beyond its rhetoric approach. Let it dwell deep into the issue and introspect.

It needs to take multiple steps to stop the growing radicalization of youth in a bordering state which is emerging as a major security challenge for the country. Economic sops can’t work alone neither the meagre political statements. Ignoring the seething anger could potentially trigger again a major political crisis in the region.