April-June 2013 - Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies

April-June 18
Commentary
Early Warning and Peace Alert: Transforming Rajouri & Poonch in J&K
D Suba Chandran
Director, IPCS
In the last two years, there has been a substantial
transformation in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch
along the LoC in J&K. Keeping in line with the decline of
militancy across J&K, the districts have also witnessed a
substantial drop in violence. The local population seems to be
convinced that the era of militancy and violence is over in the
two districts. The security forces – military, para-military, and
the J&K Police have worked hard to bring the situation under
control.
Violence related to militancy has come down to zero in the
two districts. There is a popular belief that things are looking
up. In this regard, how does one consolidate the gains, and
ensure peace prevails?
The State should not take the situation for granted and
measure peace in terms of the absence of violence. True,
militancy related violence has come down to zero in the two
districts, and there is hardly any presence of military or paramilitary
forces on the streets. The road opening parties (ROPs)
and restriction in travel have come down drastically.
The State and civil society now have to work on the following
four areas to convert the present situation into a positive
peace – economic reconstruction, connectivity and tourism,
better governance, and social harmony.
The process of economic reconstruction is already visible. One
can also observe the economic presence and expansion of the
middle class in these two districts. Construction of new
houses, small shops along the major and minor roads, more
vehicles on the streets, and the crowding of market areas
highlight the flow of money in the two districts. Is every class
benefitting from this economic growth, or is it restricted to
the middle and upper middle classes?
Government schemes, individual entrepreneurship, and
foreign remittances (especially in Mendhar and Surankote
areas) have primarily lead to this economic growth. However,
this growth is not widespread and does not cover every
section; it is led by the middle and upper middle classes, and is
presently limited to urban and semi-urban areas. True,
Vodafone and Airtel have reached every corner of the two
districts, with everyone having a mobile phone; but this
should not be the only yardstick to measure peace and
prosperity.
Lack of awareness and ignorance ensure that government
schemes are used more by the middle and upper middle
classes. Even today, there are many Gujjars in rural areas, who
cannot get a community certificate reflecting their Scheduled
Tribe status, owing to a general lack in awareness, and the
level of corruption. Individual entrepreneurship also
demands certain basic skills, capacity, and funding support –
all these aspects are not yet present in every segment of
society. Foreign remittances especially from the Gulf, as
mentioned earlier, only benefit a small section of a particular
community in Medhar and Surankote regions.
Though the government pervades throughout the two
districts in terms of numerous institutions, what is missing is
governance. Several developmental activities, especially in
road construction, have been undertaken all over the two
districts. However, the other departments and institutions are
yet to make a visible impact at the ground level. In the state
capitals and district headquarters, there are various schemes
under different ministries and departments; though
supported by substantial funds, these schemes are yet to be
seen at the grassroots. There is a huge gap between what is
available on paper in the district headquarters, and what
actually gets materialised. This is not a question of just
leakages; there is a complete disappearance!
Undoubtedly, the gap is being used by middlemen - a
substantial section that benefits from this loot. The biggest
responsibility for the State is to ensure that this loot gets
reduced. Even more importantly, the State has to be seen as
responsible and accountable in the minds of the people. The
majority do not trust the State; rather the predominant belief
is the State aids only a section and allows corruption to
prevail, because the entire government machinery is a party
to this.
The State will have to take measures to reduce the
governance deficit, and also the trust deficit between the
government and its people. While every department and
sector needs to be activated, certain deserve special
attention; education, health care, and rural development,
being examples of this. Given the nature and extent of
corruption, the J&K government and New Delhi may not be
able to lead a revolution against corruption, but can at least
make an earnest effort for clean governance in certain
departments.
Besides the above sectors, the government has to ensure that
the institution of panchayat raj becomes fully functional.
Unfortunately, there is a resistance from the elected political
leadership and bureaucracy to devolve power to the
panchayat institutions; this has sent a wrong signal to both the
people and institutions of grass root democracy.
After being embroiled for more than a decade with militancy
and violence, today, there is an opening in the two districts.
The State should seize this opportunity. If the State can ensure
delivery in the above three sectors, along with ensuring
effective panchayat raj institutions, it will go a long way in
reducing the trust deficit between the governing and the
governed.