Debating The Causes of Insurgency And 'Jihad' In Jammu and Kashmir

DR. PRANAV KUMAR , Mr. YATAN SHARMA

Kashmir, Jihad, insurgency

There are three important incidences, which form the background for the beginning of the insurgency in Kashmir. Two of these incidences are seen as immediate causes of the insurgency and the third incidence is seen as the signpost of the beginning of brutality and terrorism in Kashmir. One, the 1987 Legislative Assembly elections in Kashmir are widely perceived as the turning point in the history of Kashmir. The Second incidence is the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed. third, In the year 1989-1990, the arrival of jihad, insurgency, and radical Islam was brutally pronounced in the incidences of killings of Kashmiri pandits. Traditionally, the understanding of insurgency has revolved around the classical arguments developed in the post-World War II era. This group of arguments mainly focus on economic causes. And added to this social and political reasons are identified. One of the foremost reasons cited by many traditional scholars is the lack of economic development, poverty, and lack of employment opportunities for youth. There are some arguments which have tried to portray the dilution of autonomy as an important cause behind the rise and continuation of insurgency in Kashmir. However, these arguments are hollow and the causes are not substantive. we can identify certain substantive reasons for insurgency: Proxy war by Pakistan, Radicalisation and Wahhabi Islam, transnational Jihad, the Role of special status behind insurgency and terrorism in the valley. Unfortunately, the common masses in Kashmir have merely become pawns in the hands of radical organisations, external forces and some elite individuals living in western capitals.

Volume 7 Issue 7, July-2022

Pages : 432 - 435