Context: The constitutional changes and reorganisation of the erstwhile state of J&K distended the role of security forces without much focus on political and administrative outreach.
Present challenges in Jammu and Kashmir:
Heavy footprint of uniformed forces: Routine summons to police stations, arrest of youth along with prolonged lockdown has increased disaffection.
Alienation of people: by bringing in the domicile law and setting up of a delimitation commission by the government.
Denial of legitimate legal remedies:
The adjournments of petitions challenging the validity of the constitutional changes.
Hesitation in holding the executive accountable in habeas corpus petitions.
Restrictions on media and the Internet
Pakistan sponsoring terrorism: The terrorist camps and launch pads are fully active in PoK. For E.g
The interception and killing of 13 infiltrating terrorists in May.
Surge in local recruitment to terrorist ranks in south Kashmir.
Apathy of administration: State administrationwhich is operating from Jammu, is not able to to initiate confidence-building measures leading to an increased trust deficit among the people.
E.g. A mohalla committee collecting donations instead of seeking government relief, to rehabilitate families whose houses were damaged in a recent anti-terrorist operation.
Lack of economic activity: Trade and industry immensely suffered since August 2019. Covid has also affected tourism and pilgrimage-related economy.
Restrictions on the Internet have impaired trade and the functioning of health infrastructure and educational institutions.
WAY FORWARD:
Citizen-centric governance: The administration will need to allay the growing perception of neglect of the valley through all-round development.
Lt Governor and his team must be given a free hand in day-to-day decision-making by becoming single-point contact with the Centre.
Political and administrative outreach: It is time to redeem the situation through vibrant civil back-up instead of relying on the uniformed force.