Opinion | Real power lies in the hands of local populace.

Let the local be vocal in standing against violence and help government in maintaining peace and harmony for future generation.

The most powerful part of the government is the locals. It is the local population that actually forms the government and helps it run smoothly. The local population is responsible for everything in the locality and must be accountable towards their duties to society. The society comprises many sections, and each section belonging to the locality has to play a role in its improvement and progress. Progress and development are possible only when every local citizen, with a conscious effort, is responsible for their duties and rights.
Understanding local issues, problems, and responsibilities will make every society free from violence, terrorism, and social crime. The government machinery functions for the locals, and it is the local population who need to execute and expand the laws. What we have seen in Kashmir is that the laws were broken down, the population was radicalized, and instead of making them understand their duties, they were made radical and extremist. Hence, disturbance and turmoil were observed, which caused significant loss of life and property for the common populace in Kashmir.
Now, local people in Kashmir have understood their responsibilities and the huge loss of life and property due to violence and turmoil in the last several decades. They have seen the impact of a lack of seriousness and irresponsibility towards their duties in controlling social crimes, violence, and radicalization.

So then, who is to be blamed for the violence, terrorism, and stone-pelting in Kashmir? None other than the public, because it is only the public that can take the lead in controlling violence due to its presence at the grassroots level and its ability to provide a first response to the problem. The role that the public can play is more vital than that of the security forces and government in stopping violence. Normally, one among thousands may be an extremist, and thousands should come together to stop that one at the earliest stage. What happened in Kashmir during the violence was that a 5% violent younger mob hijacked 95% of the people due to the negligence of the 95%. Thousands of people died, resulting in crises and violence. So, what we as the general public need to do is to understand the problem and its potential for violence.
There are various ways through which we can fight violent ideas, combat violence, and maintain peace and harmony. Firstly, we need to identify those among us who mislead common people towards violence. Secondly, we need to develop counter-policies at the village level with the involvement of the mass population. Thirdly, we need to provide space for NGOs, intellectuals, and social activists. Finally, we need to devise policies that will bring people and the government closer to each other, fostering mutual understanding and resolving issues collectively.
Common people, with the support of the Army and security forces, have been at the forefront in fighting all those movements that are inciting violence. Today, if we see a significant change in Kashmir, it is due to the efforts of the common people who nurture peace, understand the violent elements in society, and consistently avoid them. Today, people are not providing shelter or assistance to radical ideologists in Kashmir and want to see peace and prosperity, which is now a reality in Kashmir and something they don’t want to lose.
vadaiekashmir@gamail.com