Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute with three Asian giants China, Pakistan and India sharing its territory and interests in it. Mere presence of United Nations forces in Kashmir give lie to those who call it a settled issue or an integral part. Kashmir struggle for a democratic right of referendum actuallynever ceased ever since t was suggested by the UN Security Council and ratified by both India and Pakistan. Kashmiris only stepped up their struggle for realisation of this struggle when concerned parties backtracked on their commitment and refused to let Kashmiris govern their own affairs.
Thousands upon thousands joined militant ranks after all democratic methods failed to break the status quo imposed by these powers through deceit and fraud by at times going to the lengths of ridicule by claiming municipal polls have replaced internationally supervised plebiscite.
Since last few years the struggle has taken a dangerous turn with now highly educated youth abandoning their promising careers and picking up gun.
First Muhammad Rafi, who was a Kashmir University lecturer died in an encounter with state forces alongside a most wanted militant commander, Sadam Padder. However the recent episode of PhD scholar Manan Wani in Shatgund Handwara has hogged more headlines across the world. The student with a prospective and promising career studying in one of the best universities choose militancy over luxurious life. He joined militancy at a time when Indian government has launched an Operation All Out with a threat to eliminate all militants. This is an another story that it has only swelled the ranks of militants.
The death of Manan Wani is not only most certainly going to inspire more people to join militants but will also help them spread to hitherto militancy free North. Manan Wani is indeed a phenomenon which will be hard to erase for a long time. Manan Wani student for last 20 years in state and central institutions left for AMU to pursue M PHILL and later joined the same university for doctorate of Geology. Recently he was bestowed with award ” Best presentation of paper” at a conference where participants from 22 countries were present. This Geology student had penchant for wisdom and learning rather than piling of facts. Whatever the course of his journey may be, the way he adopted militancy is a puzzle for many. The increasing number of highly qualified people joining militancy is worrisome. There are numerous factors behind such decisions.
Manan Wani’s last article that went viral on Social Media platforms titled ‘Voice from Hills” sheds some light. He writes: “When the cause is known the methods have to be adopted for fulfillment of cause”. The message is clear for those who want to listen.
While young sensation Burhan clearly turned the tide as a Srinagar based Army commander in aftermath of Burhan killing told The Hindu: ” The challenge isn’t the numbers of militants but the indigenous recruitment and support for militancy”.
Mir Shahid
Lolab, Kupwara
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