We were again sitting on the boulevard and waiting for the kebab from the roadside stall. The scenic Dal was a pleasure with a slow creeping chill of winters making the sun feel good on our skins. After the usual banter one of the friends touched the topic of the recently announced Panchayat elections. For us Kashmiris long denied normal democracy for decades any election is a good topic to discuss, at times I believe we must be one the most politically aware communities in the world.
The announcement had caused a chill in my soul. It reminded me of an anecdote that an uncle had shared more than a decade back. He recalled that when a decade earlier a visit of US President Bill Clinton to India was being planned, an acquaintance had commented that the US President should not visit India. On being quizzed why, he stated that if he comes to India Kashmiri blood will be shed, my uncle’s doubts were cleared when the sad Chittisinghpura massacre happened during the visit has predicted. The ones holding the trigger for the guns in Kashmir could not get an opportunity like a visit of a US president go waste. Same is true for elections.
A state looking or fighting for ‘raeshumari’ or referendum cannot have an election that will not be opposed by the gun is so self-contradictory. Elections is more than a democratic activity in Kashmir, it is seeped in more than plain visible politics. For the Pakistanis and the separatists, it is bona fide acceptance of Indian constitution and hence not acceptable, for them armed struggle is the only way out. Actually, no dialogue has taken place for more than a decade. For the ones who take part the ground rules have suddenly shifted after 05 Aug 19 action. I wait to see what lasts after the dust settles, release of the last big political leader Ms Mehbooba Mufti on 13 Oct shows things are moving. Moving to what, well that no one is sure, I am sure we will continue to discuss the issue over the kebabs on the boulevard for some more time.
Right now my fear is of violence and spilling of Kashmiri blood in runup and during the elections. The tanzeems have made their intent clear by threats and killings in last few months, for them no political activity is to be allowed. I wonder which higher council in which part of Kashmir takes decision on this, I do not want to believe that such major decisions are taken in Pakistan. I do believe that grassroot democracy is good for any society, I am not sure how this suits our current politics. What I am sure is thAtif Lone
Author could be reached at [email protected] whether right or wrong, good or bad – it does not allow anyone to take a Kashmiri life. Hope that message reaches the ones deciding the hit list. My friends were mixed on the views on how this will flow, and we don’t want to bet, we live in hope that peace will prevail. We Kashmiris need to find our destiny without spilling of any more Kashmiri blood – hope you agree?
Atif Lone
Author could be reached at [email protected]