The politics of protest and separatism in Kashmir is not a new phenomenon at all. It is the cumulative result of various twists and turns related to the sociopolitical and economic conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. The growing dissatisfaction of the Kashmiri masses with the unpopular political elite at different times has always gone up in flames resulting in some sort of major or minor change in the governing pattern of the state. Since the political awakening in the 1930s till the eruption of violence in 1990, Kashmiri separatist politics has passed through different stages but has succeeded in keeping the Kashmir pot boiling and the issue very much alive. Similarly from 1990 to 2008, it has experienced many ups and downs.

The separatist politics started to gain momentum again after the emergence of the Amar Nath land controversy. This time most of the Muslims of the state from every region joined the fray and there were strong protests everywhere. Whether marching towards the LoC or to the UN office at Srinagar or to Pampore to attend the mourning procession of slain Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz, millions of people participated in these rallies and demanded their ‘Right to self determination’. There was a lot of human and material loss but the people continued the protests even more strongly. This time India came under a lot of internal and external pressure to start a meaningful dialogue on the question of Kashmir. The massive participation of Kashmiri voters in the assembly elections of 2008, however, proved a very serious blow to the separatist movement in Kashmir. Such large scale participation came not only to the utter surprise of the Hurriyat leaders but to everybody including the government of India.

During the rape and murder of two Shopian women in 2009, allegedly by security forces, strong protest demonstrations were again held everywhere in the Kashmir Valley. But this time the demand was mostly that the culprits involved in this heinous crime should be exposed and punished. These protests also took some lives. After the killing of some teenage boys by the security personnel, the protests are now spreading to every nook and corner of Kashmir. People are coming massively to the streets defying curfew and other restrictions. In view of the prevailing situation, the Hurriyat Conference led by Geelani has given a call for ‘Quit Kashmir Movement’. The situation is worsening as everything has come to a halt. The youths are very eagerly trying to lead the movement and are even moving ahead of every senior separatist leader. It is important to know what caused this new transition and what implications it is going to have over the situation as whole.

It is clear that most of the teenagers who are fighting pitched battles with the security forces are under 20 years of age. So they were born and brought up during the ongoing war-like situation which erupted in Kashmir in the early 1990s. In view of their particular socialization, the reaction to the existing system is but natural. Secondly, the delay in the resolution of the cases of the killings of some boys either during the protest demonstrations or fake encounters, has also given rise to this new cycle of violence. Thirdly, despite massive participation in the elections of 2008, a change of government could not reduce the menace of corruption, nepotism, unemployment and many other problems. Fourthly, some forces having their own vested interests are also encouraging such activities. Fifthly, since no parent would like their children to be hit by a bullet in return for a stone for an uncertain tomorrow, the boys go out on their own without informing their parents.

This new phase of transition is going to have very serious consequences not only for the mainstream but for the separatist politics as well. The unending hartals, protests and the subsequent curfews are affecting the source of living for every individual and thus denting the economic life of Kashmiris. The educational institutions, business activities, government offices and all other essential services have been halted. How long can the poor people bear the brunt? There is a possibility that in time there will be a serious opposite reaction to the unending strikes followed by a chain of reactions here and there. Similarly if the senior separatist leaders are sidelined, who will be holding the command and control and with whom would the government of India talk tomorrow? For the separatist movement also, it is going to be disastrous. During the past 20 years, 600 days of strikes were observed and approximately 100000 lives were lost. The achievements and results are there for anybody to see. There is no overnight possible solution for the vexed Kashmir situation. The separatist movement will have to continue its thousand miles journey. To reach its desired destination, the movement must be led by the most effective, competent and charismatic leaders and not by the teenage boys.