Burhan Wani, who was recently killed by Indian forces, seems to have divided the opinion of the valley both before and after his death. Before his death, he was viewed as an “Indian agent” by commoners who thought he was being used as a ploy by the Indian government to project that militants in Kashmir were recruiting educated youths from well-to-do families on the lines of the IS.

The security forces, on the other hand, thought of him as a “paper tiger” of the militants. Now, after his death, the opinion seems to have reversed: Many commoners view him as a martyr for the cause of Kashmir while the security forces tout him as a dangerous terrorist who had to be eliminated. The question is: Is this about Burhan Wani’s killing or is the unrest a result of continued suppression and many Burhan Wanis (both in the past and the future)?

Kashmir Issue

Kashmir- remembered as the Paradise of yore- is mostly reported in the phrase ‘Kashmir issue’ these days. It has become the bone of contention between India and Pakistan, and very often our bilateral talks have been derailed because of this aspect.

The history may be traced to when the British rule in India came to an end on August 15, 1947 in India and the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Maharaja Hari Singh, decided not to join India or Pakistan and remain independent. However, when in October, 1947, the state was attacked by the Azad Kashmir Forces supported by the Pakistan army, the ruler of the state decided to accede to India.

Pursuant to this, the Instrument of Accession was signed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Maharaja Hari Singh on October 26, 1947, under which the state surrendered 3 subjects- defence, external affairs and communications- to the Dominion of India in exchange of military assistance against Pakistani forces. As fighting between the Indian and Pakistani forces continued along the Line of Control (LoC), India took the matter to the United Nations which recommended a plebiscite be held to determine a solution.

However, to this day, no such plebiscite has been held since the precondition of withdrawal of respective armies form the area was not fulfilled. A part of Kashmir is occupied by Pakistan (commonly known as “Pakistan Occupied Kashmir” (PoK)) while the rest forms part of India. However, Article 370 of the Constitution confers a special status on J&K and the state also has its own Constitution.

Kashmir Terrorism & Burhan Wani

The issue of Kashmir and its independence or integration has worsened over the years, not just because of separatist forces at work but often also encouragement given to them from both sides of the border. Both countries have time and again used the issue for strategic gains, while the people in Kashmir appear as pawns in a larger political battle.

Burhan Wani has become a “martyr” for many in the valley and the bond the scores of youngsters and people in the valley seem to have forged with him is something to mull over and understand. He was a class topper, cricket lover and left home at the age of 15 to fight for Kashmir’s independence from Indian forces. He became the face of the Hizbul Mujahideen, an indigenous militant organization, and gave a face to the cause. He recruited many to the organization and was popular on social media as well. Tales about Wani and his exploits abound.

It is time for people and governments to think about where the line between rebellion and terrorism lies and why it is increasingly becoming blurred. It is time to not just talk about the Burhan Wani, but to ensure that no new Burhan Wanis are conditioned and suffer the same fate.

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