The Presence of Military Forces in Srinagar: A Witness Account
In the streets of Srinagar, soldiers and officers are a common sight, stationed in public squares, street corners, roads, and rooftops. Their presence, though not ubiquitous, is always felt.
During my initial exploration of Lal Chowk, a lively shopping district, I was shocked to witness an officer physically assaulting a civilian. The incident unfolded when the officer, impatient with a rickshaw driver’s delay in moving his vehicle, resorted to violence by striking him with his baton. The driver, visibly in pain, appeared to be elderly.
The lack of reaction from bystanders to this act of aggression was disconcerting. It signaled to me that such incidents are sadly commonplace, and challenging them could lead to further harm or reprisal.
On another occasion, I observed a young street vendor being subjected to physical abuse by an officer, who then proceeded to mock the victim. The indifference of passers-by to this injustice reinforced the prevailing culture of impunity and fear that discourages speaking out against authority.
Seeking justice against such misconduct is a daunting task in a legal system where the accused, often soldiers, are favored over Kashmiri civilians. The laws in place further perpetuate a cycle of impunity, making it challenging to hold perpetrators accountable.
Reflecting on my experiences, I grapple with the realization that my inaction in the face of state violence may have inadvertently perpetuated a system of oppression. The normalization of such abuses only serves to reinforce the power dynamics at play.
During a rickshaw journey to Pari Mahal, situated in the scenic Zabarwan Hills, I encountered another instance of authority being misused at a checkpoint. The encounter underscored the pervasive influence of military presence in everyday life in Srinagar.
As I navigate through these troubling encounters, I am reminded of the complex challenges faced by Kashmiris living under the shadow of militarization. The need for accountability and justice remains a distant dream in a landscape defined by fear and silence.
