The recent spurt in militancy in Kashmir is not a new phenomenon. Cross-border activities become more during summer with clear nights and higher reaches clear of snow but what is concerning is the killing of security and police men during daytime and militants carrying guns in bags and moving freely. Last one week saw nine security personnel including six Jammu and Kashmir policemen killed. While three policemen were killed late last month in two different places in Srinagar, militants attacked a BSF convoy in Anantnag on 3rd June killing three BSF personnel. Three cops including an ASI were killed the next day in Anantnag, on 4th June. Around 24 militants have been liquidated since January, even as the army stated that 200-odd terrorists are active in the State. The increase in the number of incidents is not just a seasonal occurrence. At the onset of summer Kashmir usually sees a spurt in militant activity because of the increase in infiltration from across the border. But there is an increase in violent activity on the part of militants from within the state, especially the youth, and there is more evidence of support to them among the local population. Many of those involved in recent encounters are militants from the State and not from across the border. When encounter was taking place, many local residents obstructed traffic, threw stones at government vehicles and sang songs praising the militants. This has happened elsewhere also. Songs glorifying militancy are stored in mobiles and women too sing them. There has also been an increase in the number of people joining the funeral processions of killed militants. There have been signs of a fresh trend of radicalisation of the people, and reports about the presence of Islamic State elements. All this is worrying. Sustained and effective political engagement which was expected to ensure peace did not happen during all these years. The formation of a PDP-BJP Coalition Government offered an opening which was not made use of. Now there is a political vacuum and uncertainty in the State. Unfortunately, the fear of worsening situation is looming large.
