IMHO, there are these steps to be taken, in a sustained manner, over a long term:
- Block external infiltration;
- Develop the local economy;
- Build up the state and the civil society narratives to counter the Tehreek's misleading version;
What puzzles me is why we have never even attempted Number 3.
There is no dearth of material for a counter narrative. Neither side is an angel, but it feels like India doesn't even bother to make India's stance and narrative clear. The Indian establishment is always content to let things be, or to throw money and numbers at the problem. I find this tendency in what is being done (ie, nothing is being done) for the Maoist problem, or for the North East insurgencies. India is content to keep the issue simmering forever, as long as it only simmers and doesn't explode. With a determined effort, a country so large as India should be able to put an end to most of these issues, whether with force, or by addressing the grievances of the parties concerned, or a combination of both. But no, all they do is make sure that the problem doesn't get out of hand, and keep the CRPF or Assam Rifles perpetually in a state of low intensity conflict.
Pakistanis and Kashmiri seperatists have been shouting "rapes, murders, suppression, oppression, freedom fighters, 700,000 army against 100 innocent boys" etc etc until they are hoarse. Why can't the Indian govt or society :
1) Demonstrate that many of these claims are false, or wildly exaggerated?
2) Demonstrate the not so pious nature of the separatists and the Pakistani state?
3) Go on the offensive in the propaganda department?
Other than saluting fallen army or police personnel every time there is an attack, how come the GoI does not actually talk about the issue to the nation? Come out and state what they intend to do, and what their stance is? The stance of the separatists is well known, as is the stance of Pakistan. What about India's stance? Hell I don't know what our stance is. Even the "Kashmir is an integral part of India" statement is heard only from PDF members, not from the govt.
Frankly I think it is India's lack of clarity of purpose that is allowing this conflict to continue. Can anybody state confidently, that 10 years from now, this conflict would be over? 30 years from now? No, judging by the Indian side's attitude, their aim is to keep the situation as is for eternity.
I think there should be an end to this - either crushing separatism as was done in Punjab, or by a referendum to let Kashmiris decide. Keeping the embers burning doesn't help us.