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The article highlights the controversial practice of demolishing the houses of suspected militants in Kashmir, and the repercussions it has on the wider community. Following the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the death of 26 people, authorities demolished the houses of at least eight militants. However, these demolitions have not been surgically precise, leading to significant damage to neighboring properties. Ashiq Hussain, a resident of Murran in Pulwama, lamented the destruction caused by the blasts used to demolish the house of Ahsan ul Haq Sheikh, an active militant. He questioned the necessity of damaging 10-15 other houses beyond repair and shattering the windows and doors of 50 more. This collateral damage has sparked outrage and concern among local residents, who feel they are being collectively punished for the actions of a few. The incident underscores the complex ethical and practical considerations involved in counter-terrorism operations, particularly in regions with a history of conflict and political instability. The emotional toll on the affected families is undeniable. Abdul Rashid Thokar, another resident of Murran, had his newly-constructed house severely damaged, disrupting his daughter's wedding plans. He poignantly asked, "What was our fault?" emphasizing the sense of injustice felt by innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Such incidents risk further alienating the population and undermining efforts to build trust between the government and the people of Kashmir. The destruction of homes and property, even if intended to target militants, can have unintended consequences, fueling resentment and creating a breeding ground for future radicalization. The article aptly captures the human cost of counter-terrorism measures and the need for a more nuanced approach that minimizes collateral damage and respects the rights of civilians. The government's actions must be carefully calibrated to avoid inadvertently strengthening the narrative of oppression and injustice that extremist groups exploit to gain support. The importance of due process and the presumption of innocence are paramount in any legal system, and these principles should be upheld even in the context of counter-terrorism operations. Collective punishment, which targets entire communities for the actions of a few, is not only morally reprehensible but also counterproductive in the long run. It erodes trust, fuels resentment, and ultimately undermines the very goals of security and stability that the government is trying to achieve. A more effective strategy would involve focusing on targeted operations against specific individuals involved in terrorism, while ensuring the protection of civilian lives and property. This would require intelligence gathering, careful planning, and the use of precision tactics that minimize collateral damage. It would also involve building strong relationships with local communities, fostering trust, and providing them with the resources and support they need to resist the influence of extremist groups. The article also highlights the political fallout from the demolitions. J&K CM Omar Abdullah emphasized the need to avoid any misplaced action that alienates people, urging authorities to punish the guilty without letting innocent people become collateral damage. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of Hurriyat echoed this sentiment, urging authorities not to punish innocent Kashmiri families in seeking justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti called on the Centre to tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians. These statements underscore the delicate political landscape in Kashmir and the need for the government to proceed with caution. Any actions that are perceived as unjust or discriminatory risk further exacerbating tensions and undermining efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. The government must engage in meaningful dialogue with political leaders and community representatives to address their concerns and build consensus around a comprehensive strategy for addressing terrorism. This strategy should prioritize the protection of civilian lives, respect for human rights, and the promotion of economic and social development. It should also involve addressing the underlying grievances that contribute to radicalization, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity. By addressing these root causes, the government can help to create a more stable and prosperous society, where extremism has less appeal.
The demolitions, while aimed at combating terrorism, have also raised serious questions about the proportionality of the response. Was the use of explosives necessary to demolish the houses, or could other, less destructive methods have been employed? The damage caused to neighboring properties suggests a lack of careful planning and consideration for the impact on civilian lives. This raises concerns about the accountability of the authorities and the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolitions. The government must ensure that those responsible for any negligence or wrongdoing are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The article also touches upon the broader issue of human rights in Kashmir. The region has been plagued by violence and instability for decades, and human rights abuses have been a recurring problem. The demolitions of houses, along with other counter-terrorism measures, have raised concerns about the government's commitment to protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law. It is essential that the government take steps to address these concerns and ensure that its actions are in compliance with international human rights standards. This includes providing adequate compensation to the victims of the demolitions, conducting thorough investigations into allegations of human rights abuses, and ensuring that all security forces are trained in human rights principles. It also includes engaging in meaningful dialogue with human rights organizations and civil society groups to address their concerns and promote greater transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the Kashmiri people. Terrorism cannot be defeated through military force alone. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of radicalization and promotes peace and reconciliation. This includes providing economic opportunities, improving education, and addressing grievances. It also includes fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect between the government and the people of Kashmir. The demolitions of houses, by alienating the population and fueling resentment, undermine these efforts. A more effective approach would involve working with local communities to build trust, promote dialogue, and address their concerns. This would require a change in mindset on the part of the government, from a focus on security to a focus on development and human rights. It would also require a commitment to transparency and accountability, and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders. The future of Kashmir depends on building a society that is just, equitable, and inclusive. This requires addressing the underlying causes of conflict, promoting economic development, and upholding human rights. The demolitions of houses, by exacerbating tensions and fueling resentment, undermine these efforts. A more effective approach would involve working with local communities to build trust, promote dialogue, and address their concerns.
The economic implications of the demolitions, while not explicitly stated, are also significant. The destruction of homes and property represents a significant loss for the affected families, many of whom may already be struggling to make ends meet. The cost of rebuilding their homes and replacing their belongings could be prohibitive, particularly for those who are already impoverished. The government should provide adequate compensation to the victims of the demolitions to help them rebuild their lives. This compensation should be sufficient to cover the cost of rebuilding their homes and replacing their belongings. It should also be provided in a timely and efficient manner, so that the affected families can begin the process of recovery as quickly as possible. In addition to providing compensation, the government should also consider providing other forms of assistance to the affected families, such as housing assistance, food aid, and job training. This would help to ensure that they are able to meet their basic needs and rebuild their lives. The demolitions also have a broader economic impact on the region. The destruction of homes and property can disrupt economic activity, displace families, and create a sense of uncertainty and instability. This can discourage investment and hinder economic growth. The government should take steps to mitigate these negative economic impacts by providing support to local businesses, promoting job creation, and investing in infrastructure. It should also work to create a more stable and predictable economic environment, so that businesses are more likely to invest and families are more likely to stay. The demolitions highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing Kashmir. A purely security-focused approach is not sustainable in the long run. It is essential to address the underlying causes of conflict, promote economic development, and uphold human rights. This requires a long-term commitment to building a society that is just, equitable, and inclusive. The demolitions also underscore the importance of international engagement in Kashmir. The international community can play a role in promoting peace and reconciliation, providing humanitarian assistance, and monitoring human rights. The government should engage constructively with the international community and be open to receiving assistance and advice. In conclusion, the article provides a valuable insight into the complex challenges facing Kashmir. The demolitions of houses, while intended to combat terrorism, have had unintended consequences, fueling resentment and alienating the population. A more effective approach would involve addressing the underlying causes of conflict, promoting economic development, and upholding human rights. This requires a long-term commitment to building a society that is just, equitable, and inclusive. The demolitions serve as a reminder of the need for caution and restraint in the use of force, and the importance of upholding human rights even in the context of counter-terrorism operations. The government must learn from these experiences and adopt a more nuanced and effective approach to addressing the challenges facing Kashmir.
Source: Bombing and demolition of terrorists' houses damage others' dwellings as well