Instead of heeding the counsel of rational voices in and
outside the country, the Indian authorities have unfortunately preferred
playing to the gallery in the post-Pulwama attack situation. When serving
Indian military officers are cautioning that such high quantities of explosives
could not have been transported from across the Line of Control (LoC), New
Delhi really could have avoided needless jingoism and instead pay more
attention to investigations. This is all the more important given Pakistan has
unequivocally condemned the attack and expressed its desire to cooperate with
the investigation.
With the Modi administration pointing fingers towards
Pakistan without providing any evidence, the ratings-driven corporate media
across the border has found an opportunity to stir war hysteria. Bollywood and
Indian cricket celebrities have been quick to jump the bandwagon, with highly
irresponsible statements which will only damage the cause of peace and further
the designs of hate-mongers and hawks on both sides.
In this situation, the worst affected have been Kashmiri
Muslims who are being harassed by Hindutva goons. There have been multiple
reports about Kashmiris, particularly in the states of Uttarkhand and Haryana,
are being forced to vacate rented properties and to leave towns where they live
for education and employment. While New Delhi has issued a public safety alert
in view of the situation, more would be needed on its part to ensure protection
of Kashmiris living in India.
The authorities must realise that it is simply impossible
for them to stir war hysteria, on the one hand, by accusing Pakistan without
any evidence to the effect, and to keep the Hindutva brigade in check at the
same time. The latter feeds on the anti-Muslim, anti-Pakistan rhetoric, and the
Modi administration has provided it with an open field by opting for
shortsighted jingoism instead of a rational approach. The Modi administration
as well as the state institutions in New Delhi know fully well that a war is
desirable to neither side given the economic cost it will entail; both
countries have a lot at stake in terms of their economic performance
indicators. 
In this situation, India’s shortsighted approach, merely
directed at improving its chances in the upcoming election, is having
disastrous consequences for the people on both sides. The authorities in New
Delhi will be well advised to tone down on the jingoist rhetoric and control
the Hindutva brigade and its attacks on innocent civilians.
Enough blood has been shed in Indian-occupied Kashmir,
and it has only served vested interests away from the Valley. It’s about time
all sides start pondering upon a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
Courtesy Daily Times
