Terrorists Start Targeting Those Who Get Domicile Certificates In J&K
Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator.
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By Sunil Garodia
First publised on 2021-01-01 07:43:51
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Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator.
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Satpal Nischal, a jeweler from Punjab, settled in Srinagar for the last 40 years, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne terrorists in the crowded Serai Bala locality of the city a couple of days ago. Nischal had got a domicile certificate (DC) just a couple of months back after which he and purchased a shop and a house. As the Centre changed land and domicile laws in Jammu & Kashmir, this kind of retribution from terrorist group was on the cards.
A new terror outfit, The Resistance Force (TRF), said to be an amalgam of militants from the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, has claimed responsibility. It has warned that it would identify such 'outsiders, occupiers and government stooges' and would liquidate them to preserve the sanctity of the land and people of Jammu & Kashmir. The security forces had arrested two members of TRF at a check post at the Narwal bypass just a week ago. It seems their interrogation had not given them any clue towards the plan to kill Nischal.
The security forces in J&K will now have to be on their guard against this new form of retaliation against those residing in the state for many years and applying and getting DCs under the new laws. For, if these people are targeted and eliminated, it will generate a fear psychosis and others will shy away from applying for DCs. This is what the terrorist want. They do not want people from outside (even if they have been living in J&K for decades) to get DCs and become bona fide residents who will be allowed to purchase land and building and start businesses in their names.
But the Centre had abrogated Articles 370 and 35A to remove such restrictions and assimilate J&K truly into India. If the terrorists are able to scare people and if they do not apply for DCs, the very purpose of the changes, especially of Article 35A, will be defeated. Hence, it is required that the security forces move against outfits like TRF with speed and a strong hand and nip the problem in the bud. They also need to provide protection to people who get DCs.
