At a time when normalcy is slowly limping back to Valley and there is a decline in militancy related attacks on the unarmed policemen resulting in their death in cold blood, leaving 15 civilians injured in suspected militant grenade attack in Shopian do reminds us that all is not well and these incidents do send a message that complacence has no place. And on Monday once again militants targeted a CRPF team leaving two jawans dead. These incidents could not be taken as some isolated case of violence especially when it takes place ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra it holds some importance. Separatists as usual have demanded curtailment of the Yatra from the traditional two months period on the plea that prolonged Yatra pollutes the environment. These incidents too strengthen the fact that how militants are trying to keep the fire on with the support of elements internally. Last year the appearance of al-Qaida video specifically controlling Jihad in Kashmir too was not taken seriously. It is imperative that the reality dawns on our policy makers in New Delhi as early as possible and are able to fathom the depth and implications of such a ideology gripping India with many sleeping cells within the country yet to be activated. India has to refocus its anti-terror and foreign policies to decide the new strategies to contain the spread of such organisations to protect its citizens and assets within the country and abroad. The change must begin at the earliest. There should be contingency plans to counter a situation like this. Though America has not begun withdrawing from Afghanistan fully but have thinned the presence; India cannot afford to lower its guard. The spillover has dangerous consequences which cannot be ignored by closing the eyes. The emergence of IS, Pakistan flags in Kashmir too are part of a larger design to test the strength and patience of Indian establishments and separatists provoking can go the way the militant organisations are looking at Kashmir issue.
