The Tragedy of Kashmir

Jasbir Sarai One would have expected Omar Abdullah to be more restrained in his rhetoric given the fact that a truce was slowly emerging. His statement has once again flamed emotions and has caused immense damage to the already fragile social and communal fabric of J & K J ammu and Kashmir is once again enveloped by violence due to the unseemly controversy over transfer of land to the Sri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). The recent instance of a young man Kuldeep Kumar Dogra from Jammu committing suicide by consuming poison in protest against the statement made by Omar Abdullah in Parliament during the trust motion on July 22 that Kashmiris will die rather than allow transfer of land to SASB, has added yet another tragic and unfortunate dimension to the controversy. One would have expected Omar Abdullah to be more restrained in his rhetoric given the fact that a truce was slowly emerging. His statement has once again flamed emotions and has caused immense damage to the already fragile social and communal fabric of the State.The most unfortunate part of the whole issue is that a shrine that has for centuries been revered by both Hindus and Muslims, has been dragged into an unseemly controversy by some shortsighted and opportunistic politicians for partisan gains. Even more painful is the fact that the people have fallen into the trap and are allowing themselves to be sucked into a situation that may result in a terrible and avoidable cycle of violence.This is the time to reflect upon the secular and holy credentials of the legend of Amarnath and draw inspiration from the same to give rise to the voice of moderation and patience. The Amarnathji Yatra is a symbol of harmony and religious tolerance that epitomizes the true spirit of Kashmiriyat, the bedrock of the Kashmiri way of life. The cave which has existed for times immemorial is believed to have been rediscovered in the 18 century by a Muslim Malik family from Balkot. For ages, this Malik family has played a prominent role in the pilgrimage and its successive generations have completely dedicated itself to the shrine. Despite the turmoil of terrorism, the importance of the Amarnathji Yatra never diluted and lakhs of pilgrims visit the shrine every year. The Muslim population joins the Hindus to participate in the pilgrimage with traditional fervour, despite threats from terrorists. Hotels, shops, pack ponies, porters and all other related services gear up to welcome the pilgrims. A festive air is prevalent in the area. The guides and porters of both communities are equally conversant with the legend and mythology and narrate the same to the pilgrims. Anybody requiring assistance finds hundreds of hands extended towards him, without knowing whether the hand belongs to a Hindu or a Muslim. The security forces deployed in the area, also participate with utmost enthusiasm and energy. Army units in conjunction with other paramilitary forces/central police organizations and J&K police personnel endure the adverse terrain and weather conditions to put up an exhaustive security umbrella for the pilgrimage and also look after the necessary medical amenities and crisis management.The threat of terrorism to the Yatra has not abated, yet a record turnover of pilgrims has been witnessed this year. Under the circumstances, the timing and the ferocity of the protests over a minor political issue lends itself to deep introspection of the causes thereof. In a democracy every political segment has the right to express its opinion and agitation. However, the process of democratic dissent has to follow some civilized precedents. First and foremost, it should be non-violent. Second, it should give space to the government to redress grievances or negotiate through the political process. Both conventions have been broken in this case.This is in line with the tragic manner in which anti-people and anti-development events unfold in the Valley. An analysis of the pattern indicates that whenever the media highlights any aspect that is paving the way for prosperity and development in Kashmir, the same tends to get targeted and derailed. Last year the media carried great copy about the large number of tourists who had flocked the Valley in the wake of improved conditions. Within a few days a spate of terrorist killings of innocent tourists led to a general exodus that left the buoyant tourism industry in a state of desperation. This year the Amarnathji Yatra was heralded by the media as the biggest so far and, lo behold, a frivolous political issue has been blown out of proportion.It is time for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to understand the diabolic designs of a few anti-social elements who are bent upon keeping the State away from progress and development. There is a need to isolate such elements so that the development of the people is not made hostage to irrelevant and extraneous factors. Only a complete understanding of the evil designs of a few groups that function on orders from foreign inimical forces and proactive action to counter the same can avert the tragedy that continues to encompass Kashmir, despite the people’s overwhelming mandate to shun violence in pursuit of the path of democracy, development, peace and prosperity. (ADNI)