The killings which are going on unabated also raise tough questions about the functioning and effectiveness of the administration which has been claiming to have brought about a great change in the Kashmir situation. There is something wrong that needs to be plugged in a better way and at the same time ensure the safety of the citizens of Kashmir, no matter their religion. Even though the LG, Manoj Sinha had promised to resolve the issues of the Kashmiri pandits working in Kashmir, following the killing of Rahul Bhat in Budgam, the administration seems to have done nothing in that direction. If the minorities are stating that the administration is busy with the influx of tourists to Kashmir instead of making its people feel safe; leaving them to die, then, it must be said that they are not wrong.
The situation which is evolving, notably after a spurt in the civilian killings across Kashmir, is not good for the security establishment as well, particularly, when J&K is set for the Amarnath Yatra by the end of June. Even though all the necessary preparations have been made for ensuring a safe yatra, something does not seem right and needs immediate fixing.
On the other hand, while the blood of an innocent teacher has been spilled, there isn’t any reaction from the ordinary people, in general, and the vast pool of intellectuals, which Kashmir has been blessed with, in particular. There is a pin drop silence whose meaning does not seem to be making any sense. The people, who have always been vocal on such matters, as well as the intellectuals, who have been keeping the authorities on tenterhooks on such matters, need to rise to the occasion and provide a meaning to the deafening silence which seems to be getting solid with every passing day. It needs to be underlined that silence over cold-blood murders—irrespective of religion, caste, or creed—is not a sign of a breathing, responsive, and progressive society. It points to something dark, hallow instead.
