Kashmir is a complex problem-III

Tikoo: What is the state of terrorism now? Ismael: Today terrorist has only 5 per cent support. Geelani is himself commanding Hizbul Mujahidin. In 1990 terrorism had 100 per cent support. By 1993 it was reduced to 90per cent and by 1995 it was supported by only 50 per cent population. Now the situation is such that if India and Pakistan do not reach some kind of agreement, the people themselves will take them on. Tikoo: How did this situation come about? Ismael: Initially terrorists were locals who respected the local sentiment, particularly our religious way of life. Besides, they were imbued with a sense of mission. They were ideal heroes who lived and died for the cause. After they got killed or arrested and were replaced by more Afghanis and Pakitanis, things changed drastically.The new breed of terrorists started insulting, denigrating and finally destroying our Dargahs and Ziarats, in fact our way of life. Bulk of the people resented this assault on their religious obligations.They felt deeply hurt and terrorists lost popular support slowly but surely. Besides the later day terrorists were too cruel with people who could not fulfill their ridiculous demands which had no relationship to the Jehad which they claimed to be waging.