Kashmir: Is this restraint?

Ramananda Sengupta and N Venkatesh

Restraint. That is what we are being asked to show while dealing with the protests in Kashmir. Not just domestically, but by nations not known for much restraint themselves, including the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

What does it mean?

Does it mean the government abdicates its responsibility to protect the life and property of its citizens?

Does it mean allowing marauding maniacs to rule the streets, many of them flying Pakistani flags?

Does it mean not using your gun, and letting yourself get beaten up by a rampaging, stonethrowing, bloodthirsty mob? That is what the trooper above obviously did.

Image: Kashmiri Muslim protesters attack a policeman during a protest on the outskirts of Srinagar, Monday, June 28, 2010. Photograph copyright AP. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

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