Opinion | Defenders of Peace and Progress

Initiatives to Build Consensus Between Army and Civilians for the Elimination of Terrorism. it is only the army that has consistently stood as a hero for the people. The “Valin’s” did not stay for long; they came to exploit the situations for their self-interest and have since disappeared into obscurity.

There are various initiatives in place that the Indian Army has taken in Kashmir to build consensus among the common Kashmiris. The perception of the common people regarding the Indian Army is clear. The role of the Indian Army during the period from 1947 to date is still fresh in the minds of the Kashmiri people. Kashmir has gone through various ups and downs in terms of situations, circumstances, and environment, and every movement has played its role. However, it is only the army that has consistently stood as a hero for the people. The “Valin’s” did not stay for long; they came to exploit the situations for their self-interest and have since disappeared into obscurity. After witnessing different circumstances, unrest, violence, strikes, killings, and challenging moments, extremists have come and gone, but none of them owned the people or supported them. It is, was, and will be the Indian Army that has a proven record of carrying Kashmiris on its shoulders during every difficult time.
The Army took several important initiatives in Kashmir when it was in turmoil, and every department was dysfunctional. Whether it was the breakdown of education, sports, local businesses, or the daily life of common people, the Army took a stand and launched various people-oriented initiatives that proved to be highly successful and beneficial in Kashmir. The Army not only promoted peace—a lifelong aspiration of the Kashmiri people—but also created pathways to move forward and eliminate the fear psychosis among the population.
The outcomes of all the initiatives taken by the Army received overwhelming responses and public satisfaction. Considering the benefits and advantages gained by the public, as well as the positive steps towards development and peace in society, the following strategies could enhance the existing initiatives, making them more impactful and expanding them to new avenues of life. This coordination and cooperation between the Army and civilians can make significant strides and build consensus to collaborate on common goals.
The existing initiatives need to be more closely aligned with the Army. The significant infrastructure established by the Army requires further enhancement and advancement. The infrastructure created by the Army at border tourist locations has increased tourist flow, but the possibility of infiltration routes turning into tourist hubs and offbeat destinations requires the Army’s full attention. Converting infiltration-prone areas into tourist destinations was one of the biggest challenges the Army has undertaken alone.
There is a misconception that the Army is formed solely to fight wars. In reality, the Army is a multi-tasking institution capable of addressing any challenge and proving its excellence. The Army is made up of humans, and every human problem is also an Army problem. In Kashmir, there was a human crisis, and the Army dealt with it using a human-cantered approach. They undertook various operations to counter radicalization, extremism, and violence. If Kashmir is regaining its beauty, it is due to the sacrifices of the Indian Army, which never let it down and made every possible effort to restore its paradisiacal nature.
The present liaison and coordination between Jawaan and Awaam are essential to build consensus and eliminate any evil in society. The absence of the Army in Kashmir would likely re-activate militancy and terrorism. Given Kashmir’s strategic importance, the role of the Army is crucial in maintaining peace and prosperity. For the progress of our nation, we need to involve the Army in more people-oriented projects and civilian efforts to counter any threats. We recommend that the Government of India allocate substantial funding to the Indian Army so that it can undertake additional projects, win hearts, and eliminate the weeds of society.
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