Mehbooba Mufti writes: In Jammu & Kashmir, a facade of normalcy cannot substitute for peace

In the Indian-administered territory of Jammu and Kashmir, a recent directive ordering government employees to take part in a “Tiranga Rally” has sparked concerns over the true nature of the region's “normalcy.” This order, part of a broader pattern of governance since India assumed direct control following the 2019 repeal of Article 370, underscores a troubling trend: the use of national symbols as a veneer for continued suppression and fear.

The government's insistence on a facade of normalcy, with claims of a new era of peace, rings hollow when contrasted with the reality of ongoing security measures, arbitrary detentions, and dismissals based on suspected links to militancy. Education and charitable institutions have faced closures or restrictions, while properties worth billions have been seized under various laws.

These actions, coupled with recent threats against Kashmiri Pandit government employees, reveal an administration prioritizing appearances over genuine security and justice.

Kashmiris, particularly the youth, are caught in a cycle of fear, where the assurance of normalcy fails to translate into a sense of security. They witness the consequences of militant violence, with each attack followed by large-scale detentions and suspicion. This environment stifles reconciliation, leaving deep-seated grievances that are not erased by the display of flags or symbols of national unity.

For the region to heal, it requires more than a superficial embrace of normalcy. It demands genuine dignity, justice, and security, backed by dialogue and a humane approach. Only through these elements can the wounds of the past be acknowledged and addressed, allowing the younger generations to thrive without the shadow of their ancestors' conflicts.

The government must distinguish between threats and innocent citizens, ensuring that those accused of crimes are treated as individuals rather than faceless suspects. Only then can Kashmir move towards genuine peace and stability.