Srinagar Suicide Attack Raises Fear of Return of Terrorism To Kashmir

The suicide attack on Lal Chowk in Srinagar is causing apprehension about the return of terrorism in the valley after a lull of two years. Meanwhile, security agencies have strengthened the doubt by stating that about 700 suicide squad terrorists are waiting to infiltrate the border. Truly speaking, the actual motive of terrorists is not yet clear, except to spread terror. They, however, do seem to have some immediate purpose behind this attack. We have to prevent this from being fulfilled.

Increased Activities
Serious preparations are being made to withdraw troops from Kashmir valley. It is not only Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who wants to give the plan a practical shape, but also the central government. Home Minister P. Chidambaram has repeatedly suggested that law and order should be handed over to the state police, as in other states. He has been encouraged by the decline in terrorist activities in the last two years.
Successful elections and formation of a democratic government were paving the way for return of peace in the state. Because of this trend, 30,000 soldiers were called back last year. Defense Minister A.K. Antony was encouraged enough to declare the withdrawal of a few more battalions, as the situation improved. The two-day encounter at Lal Chowk followed by reports of another encounter in Pulwama on 8 January has dampened the enthusiasm for return of peace.

Return of Terror
The possibility of return of terror is increasing. Usually, terrorists are not active in Kashmir at this time of the year. Those who manage to infiltrate before it starts snowing are the ones who carry out terrorist activities during this period. Local militants also become active at this time of the year. But security forces have traced the sources of the Lal Chowk attack to Pakistan. The only person killed in the incident was a Kashmiri youth.
Jamait-ul-Mujahidin has owned responsibility for this attack. Its purpose was to prevent the possibility of any improvement in India-Pakistan relationship. Withdrawal of army from Kashmir will also weaken its purpose. They would neither like any dialogue process to be successfully carried out there.
The process of a dialogue with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) was started in 2008. It was then that an important APHC leader, who was in favor of talks, was attacked severely. On second thoughts, all such risks cannot be ignored in this atmosphere. At the same time, they must not be exaggerated either.