In Kashmir, CRPF jawans forced to face public wrath

A video showing armed CRPF jawans being heckled, kicked and abused by a group of Kashmiri youth is being circulated widely. After TV channel Times Now aired the video, CRPF spokesmen lauded the restraint shown by the jawans, who are seen quietly bearing the brunt of the taunts, even complying with the mob’s demand that they repeat slogans like, ‘Indian dogs, go back’.

“CRPF is a disciplined force and the jawans’ first priority was to ensure the safe passage of polling personnel and material. That is why they put up with the insults. We have, however, identified the youth and police action will follow,” said CRPF spokesperson Rajesh Yadav in Srinagar.

The video was also shared on Facebook by Junaid Qureshi, Director, European Foundation for South Asian Studies, and a native of Kashmir.

Qureshi commented, “In America, these boys would have been shot by now. In any European country, these boys would have been beaten so much that they would have spent at least six months on a hospital bed without being able to move a finger.”

“While there have been human rights violations in Kashmir, which need to be condemned, there have also been instances of absolute restraint and that should be appreciated,” he added.

The post generated a large number of comments with Percy Shiva, responding on Facebook to Qureshi, “You are wrong, my friend.… One never hears unarmed demonstrators being shot in the West. It is a pity that you live in (the) West and you are unable to see the difference.”

Security personnel in the Kashmir Valley are the most visible face of the Indian ‘state’ and they are clearly bearing the brunt of the alienation and anger among the people.

The jawans are seen silently and stoically walking and jostling their way through a frenzied group even after they are kicked, their helmets taken off and their cane-shields snatched. Others cheer and jeer.

Remarkably, however, some Kashmiri youth are also seen in the video protecting the soldiers and guiding them through the street, and remonstrating with others. “Let them go… don’t do this… what has come over you guys?”

Some of the youth are seen playing with the shields and helmets of the jawans while others force the frightened soldiers to shout pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.

Imtiaz Khwaja commenting on the same video posted on the Facebook page Kashmir News 24x7 had this to say: This is totally un-Islamic, immoral and cowardly act of the public. (The) Prophet didn't teach such things. He used to take care of the enemies in difficult times, so I am very sad to see such acts.”

Another Kashmiri, Tariq Ahmad Dewani wrote in the comment box: “Please don't do such kind of behaviour with these helpless forces. We want azadi (freedom) from India and few forces are innocent; they are in our land because of (their) job.”