Conflict

Using more military force in Kashmir? Most Indians support it, suggests Pew research

New Delhi: At a time when some sections in the society are demanding removal of AFSPA in some areas of Jammu and Kashmir, more than 60 percent respondents of a survey believe that the Centre should use more military force, American fact-tank Pew Research Centre said on Friday.

When it comes to dealing with the disputed border regions of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian public favors an aggressive stance. A 63 percent believes the government should be using more military force. Few say India should use less force or even the same amount as it is using now, the Pew survey report said.

The state has been on the edge since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani by armed forces in July last year. It has witnessed widespread clashes between the security forces and civilians since then.

According to the survey, while Indians have consistently given Pakistan negative ratings in Pew Research Center surveys, the extent of their disapproval has intensified in 2017. More than six-in-ten (64 percent) in India have a very unfavorable view of Pakistan today, up from 55 percent last year.

Disdain for Pakistan cuts across party lines – BJP and Congress party supporters express similar levels of negativity for India’s longtime foreign rival (70 percent vs 63 percent very unfavorable), the report further stated.

The survey, conducted between February 21 and March 10, sought the views of 2,464 people across the country, in both urban and rural areas.

 

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