Omar Abdullah Brings a Ray of Hope

Was the stance of Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders correct? Does the call for speaking with one voice mean letting the government ignore vital issues? Should the opposition parties allow the BJP to harness the national sentiment against the terror attack for its electoral advantage?

India is still in search of a national narrative. The response to the Pahalgam attack hardly shows any coherence. If the incident has proved anything decisive, it is that we lack consensus even on issues such as national security.

The initial unanimity that had evolved after the incident disappeared quickly. It has only given way to unwarranted conflict between opposition parties and the BJP. It has become clear that the BJP never wanted any consensus. What we witnessed immediately after the terror attack was not due to the government’s efforts. The credit must go to the opposition parties, particularly the Congress.

They declared unconditional support for the government and assured full support for any retaliatory measures it considered appropriate. Decisions such as the suspension of the Sindhu Water Treaty, closing the border at Attari, and cancellation of visas found complete endorsement from the opposition parties.

Was the stance of Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders correct? Does the call for speaking with one voice mean letting the government ignore vital issues? Should the opposition parties allow the BJP to harness the national sentiment against the terror attack for its electoral advantage? The opposition parties seem to have failed in appreciating the situation. This might be due to media pressure.

They wanted to avoid a repeat of the Pulwama episode, in which the Modi government portrayed the opposition parties as working against the national interest. This was done despite the apparent failure of the government to avert the incident. Credible media reports suggest that many intelligence inputs were available to the administration, hinting at a deadly terror attack. However, negligence and a lack of coordination exposed the security forces to a horrific attack.

The pragmatism of avoiding negative portrayal before the public must have led the Congress and other parties to speak in a so-called unified voice. They feared Prime Minister Modi would skillfully repeat the Pulwama narrative of aggressive nationalism and declare himself the champion of a match that has yet to start.

The Indian Air Force conducted the Balakot surgical strike as a retaliatory measure, and the ruling BJP used it for electoral gains. This was the irony of the Pulwama incident: a national tragedy was exploited for political gains.

This time, too, the BJP and the RSS are in too much of a push its agenda of ultra-nationalism and use the Pahalgaam attack to start a new anti-Pakistan offensive. It is hardly interested in joining a united effort because it will damage its real agenda of targeting minorities.

However, India may not receive the support it needs from other countries to such an offensive. We are surrounded by neighbors who are increasingly hostile. Global powers are unlikely to support us when we face Pakistan. The statement of Trump must alert us.

But a ray of hope has come from Jammu and Kashmir. The indignation shown by Kashmiris against terrorism is unprecedented. They have done so despite negative portrayals in the media and the ugly backlash against Kashmiri students and civilians in other parts of the country.

The raids and other measures taken against suspects of the Pahalgam attack may also be harsh. The recent practice of bulldozing the houses of suspects may alienate people. The opposition to the terror attack has been so strong that they are ready to accept it. However, administrators must follow guidelines of the Supreme Court during demolitions.

If we make an impartial assessment, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, deserves all the praise. He has inherited a difficult political legacy and witnessed unprecedented hardships for his party and the state over the last decade. Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood and underwent harsh administrative measures, including house arrests of political leaders.

The patience shown by the Abdullah family during these stormy times deserves appreciation. His recent speech in the J&K assembly will go down in history for its content. No political statement can match Abdullah’s frankness and foresight.

He apologised to the families of the victims for failing to send them home safely. He rendered his apology as the chief minister who holds the portfolio of tourism. He termed the attack one of the worst in the last two decades. He said he felt helpless, even though he does not have the responsibility of maintaining security and law and order. He is right. Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory, and the central government is responsible for the security of the region.

He candidly acknowledged how the incident has adversely affected the demand for statehood for J&K: “The security in Jammu and Kashmir is not the responsibility of the elected government, but I will not use this opportunity to seek statehood. How can I push for statehood using the Pahalgam terror attack?” He underlined how the entire state stood against the attack. He said that people spontaneously came out and protested against the attack.

“For the first time in many years, I witnessed truly unified protests. No political party or leader orchestrated them, and no organised banners or candlelight marches were planned. The outrage and grief were spontaneous, coming straight from the people's hearts. Every mosque observed silence,” he said.

Abdullah appealed to the country to encourage and strengthen this change. He said, “We must boost and nurture this spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that has emerged from among the people themselves.”

He silently disapproved of harsh steps that might alienate people and made it clear that while we cannot control a terrorist with a gun, we can end militancy if the people are with us. He said, “I think that time has come.”

His initiative to call a special assembly session, tender an apology, and recognize the change in Kashmir gives great hope to all countrymen. Is the political leadership in the country ready to recognise the changing winds in Kashmir? Omar has brought a ray of hope.

(The author is a senior journalist. He has experience of working with leading newspapers and electronic media including Deccan Herald, Sunday Guardian, Navbharat Times and Dainik Bhaskar. He writes on politics, society, environment and economy)