In Kashmir, ongoing human rights abuses and an endless torrent of violence is a valid justification. As more young men become militants, and die as martyrs (i.e., killed by Indian forces), others will follow. In 2018, a police commander said, “I’ll be honest. For every militant we kill, more are joining.”
What triggers violence? Is there a single event?
When I give lectures, these are the questions I ask my audiences to consider when trying to understand the context of violence. What is happening in Kashmir to create an uptick in militant recruitment? In 2016, a new generation of Kashmiris turned to armed rebellion. Many of the new recruits came from South Kashmir, including Burhan Wani, whose death sparked mass resistance.
My new books on Kashmir address the rise of militancy in Kashmir and the oppressive, brutal tactics used against Kashmiris by the Army.
