Peerzada Arshad Hamid

Srinagar 

After a lull of one and a half year the infamous Kashmir sex-scandal is back in the news. Further high profile names - a minister, two MLA’s, former Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited and others - have been thrown out in the public dominion. However, the sensational revelations went without a furore this time. No protests. No backlash from the streets.

Last year the issue of morality offensive rocked the entire valley. Public sentiment was high on the streets. Protests were held for days together. Effigies of the accused ministers burnt. House of the alleged kingpin, Sabeena razed. People were asking for the punishment of the big names in full public gaze. The protests were perceived more as the return of anti-India rebellion and put the entire establishment in fix.

To subdue the public anger arrests were made and investigations were handed over to premier investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Judiciary stepped in and much of its pro-active role was on display.

However, the euphoria died down when the alleged accused got their cases transferred outside state and moved out on bail one after another.

So have Kashmiris given up the ire or are they satisfied with the investigations.

Ask the commoners on Srinagar streets and the reaction is ubiquitous.  They smell a cover up. “It has been proved that it was a state sponsored act. None has been punished. Those who have been named won’t be touched. In fact it will add up to their rank and file.”

The protests participated by men and women that kick-started soon after the scandal broke down were aimed at seeking punishment to the accused and ensure the safety of womenfolk. But time has proved that the matter was treated just like any other case in the courts of Law.

The handling of this particular issue has deepened the chasm between government and public. More lucidly it has deepened the existing divide between New Delhi and Kashmir.

The way CBI handled the case has put its integrity at stake as well. It has shattered the faith of common man in Kashmir and put the question mark on judiciary as well. The disclosure of further names has not brought respite to public but shortcomings in the inquiry of CBI pointed out by High Court has definitely added to the skepticism of the investigations.

The way scandal is treated now is an acid test for the state government as well as New Delhi. Any leniencies or cover ups can only add to the skepticism of people in Kashmir and distance it from governments in State as well as New Delhi.