Targeted Killings in Kashmir Again

It is really a matter of serious concern that within the few days of government formation in Jammu and Kashmir; the targeted killings of non-Kashmiri people have started. Just a few days ago a non-local labourer was killed in Shopian. His bullet ridden body sent shock waves in Kashmir. Now there are targeted killings of more non-local labourers in Ganderbal on Sunday as the terrorists opened fire on a housing camp of labourers working for a private company. The exact count of dead and the casualties is not known yet at the time of writing this editorial. They were employed for the construction of a tunnel in the Gund area. Injuries have been reported also from the site of the terrorist attack. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has termed it as a dastardly act .He has further said that the number of actual casualties is not confirmed. These acts clearly show that the terrorist infrastructure is still intact and they are asserting their will with impunity. The new government has a challenge at hand to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir in general and Kashmir in particular. These acts cannot be allowed to happen as it affects the morale of the labourers and workers who are working in Jammu and Kashmir. This sends a bad signal to other states and develops an image of Jammu and Kashmir that is not going to present the UT as a welcome destination for the people. Before the process of Assembly Elections was started then too there was a series of terror attacks to send a signal that subversion has not ended. Now after the completion of of these elections the terror networks have struck again and targeted the non-local labourers. This is meant to project Jammu and Kashmir as an ethno-religious conflict zone. By targeting the non –local people belonging to the Hindu faith the terrorists are creating a situation so that a message is sent to generate fear psychosis among the minorities. Besides, it enables the patrons of terror to send a message to their handlers that they are not sitting idle. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has a task cut out for his government. These terror attacks are meant to check his reaction and how he responds to this situation. He must send a strong signal and be clear that terrorism cannot stop policy makers from development and the goal of achieving peace. These attacks will have a long term impact on the government’s policy of making the return of Kashmiri Pandits possible. As on date there is no concrete policy in place for their return. Keeping in view the rise in the targeted killings of non-locals who are working for their livelihood in Kashmir there is a risk of more killings like this. That has to be averted at any cost. The situation becomes more sensitive when a large number of Kashmiri Pandit employees are working in various departments in Kashmir under the Prime Minister’s Employment Package. In the previous years there have been targeted killings of these employees too. It is pertinent to mention that these employees had almost launched a year long protest for relocation due to targeted killings. Jammu and Kashmir Government has to be cautious that no such acts are repeated and a sense of security has to prevail. Media fraternity has also witnessed tremendous challenges but have not succumbed under pressure. The incumbent government has a responsibility to give security to the journalists who are staking their lives to bring the ground realities about Kashmir in the public domain. Security and freedom of press is important so that the inputs from ground zero reach the policy makers and harmony is upheld. Omar Abdullah government must act and send a strong message to the terror modules so that investors and workers working in Kashmir are not demoralised. These acts of barbarity must be condemned by one and all.