It is to be hoped that the authorities in Kashmir will handle the volatile situation arising out of allegations of molestation of a young woman in Handwara firmly, but with sensitivity. For several months it has been suggested in Kashmir through provocation on social media sites that a storm will brew in the coming summer. This is an indication that anti-India outfits on the other side of the LoC might have a plan to spread unrest to re-kindle old fires. No sooner did the allegation begin to surface last Tuesday that a young girl student was molested by an Army jawan in Handwara in north Kashmir than all hell broke loose. Violent protests were met by police firing and three people were killed. This set off widespread protests across the Valley. The separatist weighed in with a bandh call.
Everything seemed to be happening as if on cue. It is well to remember that allegations of dishonouring of women have been hurled before at the uniformed forces in Kashmir and found to be without basis on close examination. A few years ago, in south Kashmir, a young woman is said to have been dragged from a river bank by a jawan and assaulted. A string of people, including well-positioned medical personnel, found themselves proffering doctored evidence, only to be caught out. But the fire had been lit and much damage was caused. An incident of mass rape was alleged from a part of Srinagar, only to be found dubious.
Violent protests based on unfounded allegations or undue anxiety are made a mobilising tool by secessionists aided by unscrupulous planners in a neighbouring country. In the present Handwara case, the alleged victim has reportedly said in a video that her tormentors were local elements and not anyone from the Army or J&K police. This video should be placed for scrutiny by responsible people engaged for the purpose by the state government, and then appropriate action taken.
The government must not shy away from taking strict action against the uniformed personnel or mischief makers, whoever is found guilty. The government has already squandered some of its authority right on taking over recently by letting the NIT campus episode in Srinagar gain a communal colour, with unthinking Hindutva-type elements in New Delhi, including Union ministers, misjudging the issue in the name of a foolishly wrought nationalism. Such mis-steps aid the cause of the secessionists.
