ARSHAD KHAN
Otherwise caught in chaos and turbulence, Kashmir valley smells hope. This hope can be traced back to the eagerly anticipated Supreme Court hearings that have boldly challenged the abrogation of Article 370. Since that fateful day of August 5, 2019, when a complete communication blackout and widespread arrests accompanied the abrogation, the people of Kashmir have yearned for a ray of hope to pierce through the darkness that has engulfed their lives. And now, with the live proceedings unfolding before their eyes, they find themselves captivated, their hearts filled with anticipation, engaging in passionate debates, and drawing inspiration from the compelling arguments presented.
For the regional political parties and countless Kashmiris, these Supreme Court hearings represent a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak and desolate landscape. The people of Kashmir, who have endured immense hardships and lived in a state of perpetual uncertainty, are closely following every twist and turn of the proceedings, their eyes fixed on the courtroom, their hearts beating with anticipation. They see this as a rare opportunity to voice their concerns, to learn from the annals of history, and to fervently advocate for the restoration of Article 370, which they firmly believe is an integral part of their identity and autonomy.
One of the key arguments that has sparked a renewed sense of optimism among the Kashmiris is the assertion made by the esteemed Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal. With eloquence and conviction, he highlights the perceived permanency of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution, suggesting that the Supreme Court may consider restoring it to its rightful place. This argument resonates deeply with those who firmly believe that the abrogation was an unjust act, an act that stripped them of their fundamental rights and diluted their unique cultural heritage that has been nurtured for centuries.
In response to the Supreme Court hearings, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling political party in India, has expressed unwavering confidence in the judiciary, placing its utmost trust in the court to prevent any future attempts to exploit Article 370 for the benefit of a select few. Rather than presenting intricate legal arguments, the BJP emphasizes the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir and fostering inclusivity among its diverse population. As a testament to this commitment, the party proudly highlights the recent decision to permit the Muharram procession in the Kashmir Valley after a ban that had lasted for three long and arduous decades. This significant move is seen as a crucial step towards healing the deep wounds of the past and promoting communal harmony in the region.
The atmosphere in the enchanting valley of Kashmir is charged with anticipation, as the people hold on to the belief that these Supreme Court hearings hold the potential for a positive outcome. The debates surrounding the proceedings have become a vibrant platform for the Kashmiris to voice their aspirations, to learn from the lessons of the past, and to passionately advocate for the restoration of Article 370. It is a moment of collective reflection, where the people of Kashmir eagerly await the court’s decision, hopeful that it will bring about a favorable resolution to this contentious issue that has plagued their lives for far too long.
For the past four years, there’s not much that Kashmir valley finds rejoicing on the political landscape. Judiciary hasn’t been much active too when it comes to swiftly delivering justice in the aftermath of 370 abrogation where arbitrary arrests were done and multiple writ petitions were filed before courts only to be disappointed. The apex court might take this opportunity to look into the facts and deliver one historic judgement which might change things for better in J&K. People haven’t lost faith yet in judiciary and it’s time Supreme Court delivers what is expected of it.
The author can be reached at arshad9708@gmail.com
