Individual freedom is ebbing in Kashmir valley due steady government encroachment. Encroachment of individual liberty is the main reason behind, why youth abandon school/college and pickup the gun. The political climate prevailing in valley had affected the personality and development of youth. Fighting between Indian forces and militants is a routine. Youth, children and women, all strata of society have been bereaved and traumatized. The growing dissatisfaction and the atrocities inflicted by government forces incited youth to go through trials and tribulations as well as their heroism. War, violence or any other type of political instability, not only disrupt social cohesion but wreck the very foundation of communities. Inflamed by tales of violence against elderly people, women and children provoked anger and fury in educated youth. The gunfight between forces and separatist rebels is almost a daily occurrence in this ruined valley and youth bear the brunt. Neither urge for vengeance nor any aim of retribution, then why are youth joining militant ranks? Answer is simple: the invincible youth of valley are aggrieved over exploitive and destructive attitude of armed forces, broken promises by GoI and helplessness of Mehbooba’s government before New Delhi.
Since its accession to BJP, PDP appears impuissant. In this state of helplessness, PDP forgot very essence of its foundation. PDP is nowhere near holding the valley’s base of voters anymore; because PDP’s substantial history of standing for self rule has been confiscated by her alliance partner, BJP. Unfortunately, Mehbooba led PDP government went against the aspiration of the people which rejuvenated the idea of separatism and gave impetus to separatist ideology too. The party is more entangled in conflict than any other work. Immediately after the death of Mufti Mohammad Syed the simmering tension underneath erupted like a volcano. The negative role played by opposition parties (NC, INC) after Mufti Mohmmad Syed’s death had not only challenged the very foundation of PDP but they went on politicizing tragedies and therefore added fuel to the issue. Opposition parties escaped responsibility. Opposition parted itself from miseries faced by people and left PDP-BJP alliance isolated in times of greater need. PDP’s alliance partner, despite knowing delicacy of the issue, BJP played a very destructive role. Therefore, in my opinion, all political parties are equally responsible for growing instability and political turmoil. The cursed government is unable to feel the cries of wailing mothers.
Deep seated roots in British colonial policies, frozen in time and not easy to let slip from the memory, Kashmir conflict is one the greatest humanitarian disaster of the 21st century. It had become bone of contention between the two rival nations—India and Pakistan— while ignoring the will of indigenous stake holders. Thousands of lives have been consumed, orphanages have been flooded and still this brook of blood is violently flowing on. Although the road to reclaim right to self determination or independent state is arduous but the continuum efforts have brought back the lost appetite and awakened oppressed society out of its slumber. Corruption had got impetus, armed forces are enjoying free power and common man had been traumatized. PDP was provided with chance by youth but it went against the will of people when it went in collation with BJP. In this way PDP accepted evil passively and it costs her to pay. In order to end this bloodbath, PDP should accept its short coming and should shed inferiority complex while confronting Modi’s BJP. There is no remedy left for PDP now. It is better to avoid the drift than to swim against the stream. There is nothing left with present regime which will be able to rekindle hope in the hearts of Kashmiris.
People have come out of misreading and falsify the claims made by both National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party. Both the regional parties appeared frail before GoI. One should keep it mind, politicians didn’t own anything which didn’t fit in their coffin. In this political battle, BJP polarized Hindus against Muslims by playing religious card. The morally degraded society hit roads to defend a murder of Asifa. It is very embarrassing, lawyers were supposed to discharge duty for truth but Kathua lawyers ashamed this profession. New Dehli had unleashed its hounds that went amuck on roads to destroy both life and property, while both the parties are bound to mere condemnations using twitter or facebook. These hounds are somewhere in Khaki while at other place in black gown. On the other hand, Indian National Media is busy in hatching conspiracies to display a negative portrait of valley. The blurred picture of Kashmir issue portrayed by Indian National Media is further deteriorating situation. Blaming stone hurlers, it is a classic example of blaming the victims. Militants and their fellow Kashmiris, the indigenous inhabitants, have been forced to live under a belligerent, illegal and brutal occupation of India.
PDP as well as NC should redress its policies. They should learn from past events. Blood is thicker than water. They should come on negotiation table and unite against the murderers of civilians and killers of Asifa. Politically conscious youth can’t be befooled any more. At least, they should learn a lesson from sub inspector Anand Dutta who destroyed evidences to protect his Hindu brother and how BJP workers staged protest to shield the culprit. Kashmiris demand justice and want an end to this bloodbath.
Sheikh Nissar can be reached at sheikhnissar@Outlook.com
