The lawlessness has raised questions about Abdullah’s authority. Sunday’s shoe-throwing incident, though isolated, showed how angry Kashmiris are with the chief minister.
Chief minister Omar Abdullah is under pressure from the opposition to resign and calm tempers in the Valley.
For the past two months, the spate of killings, the mob fury and the dominance of separatists has put Abdullah on the back foot. A total of 58 people have died and hundreds have been injured in clashes. Most of this anger seems to be directed at the chief minister.
The lawlessness has raised questions about Abdullah’s authority. Sunday’s shoe-throwing incident, though isolated, showed how angry Kashmiris are with the chief minister.
“Things have gone so far that only Omar’s exit can save further damage. His resignation will stop further bloodshed and violence in Kashmir as ‘passions’ were running high against the National Conference-Congress government,” Bhim Singh, chairman of J&K National Panthers Party (JKNPP), said.
The lack of leadership has given former J&K chief minister and PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed an opportunity to criticise the Centre and his rival, the National Conference. “Nearly 60 young people have died, countless injured and hundreds disabled. Jails filled with politicians and teenagers, endless curfews, demonstrations… Governance has collapsed and people’s lives have been disrupted for nearly three months… One wonders what more the government needs to start the process of political resolution?” he said.
Separatists too hit out at the central and state governments. “By saying Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, Manmohan Singh has falsified historic facts. The ongoing peaceful mass movement has started with the demand that the people be given the right to self-determination,” a spokesman of J&K Jamat-e-Islami said.
On his part, Omar Abdullah said he had sought votes for development and done it. “We promised to facilitate talks at internal and external levels and my government is doing so. Stone pelting and violence are no way to ask for things. When dialogue is available, why call for hartals?” Omar said.
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