Kashmir is once again driven by rage. People of Kashmir, even after having experienced similar movements and their bleak outcomes in the past, are astonishingly leaving no stone unturned in giving what it may take to a get a resolution to the longstanding Kashmir dispute. Though we all are standing together as one, we have diverse opinions about what constitutes a solution to Kashmir dispute. While majority may chant pro-freedom slogans, some still want a merger with Pakistan and although very few in number, some want to stay with India.
There is no denying the fact that our community is still divided when it comes to our definition of our struggle but it certainly doesn’t mean that Kashmiris are fighting for a problem that does not even exist. People of Kashmir have undoubtedly faced a lot of oppression under the Indian regime and under Pakistan’s inappropriate and superfluous actions. Our leaders have failed us time and again by not delivering when it mattered the most. It is true that a Kashmiri working in an Indian company or a person working under the Central government would definitely not demand azadi as he or she entirely depends on India for livelihood. Now we may consider them traitors but logically speaking, they can’t be blamed because everyone needs to earn if they are to look after their families. There are many other cases where azadi becomes a completely vague and meaningless term to the people but that doesn’t mean these people are not willing to experience a better change. There is also another section of people who are well educated but still without jobs. For such people the term azadi means much more than just freedom from oppression. This is because such people have a hope attached to Azadi, hope that it might change the dynamics of their lives for better. No matter how bad we all have suffered under Indian rule, these people have suffered the most as they have also been the victims of corruption and favouritism. They have lost all hope of a safe future with India.
Every person on this earth wants freedom but fighting for freedom without realising its purpose is of no use. People of Kashmir have been fighting for their freedom for quite a long time now, too long maybe, but it is also important to remember the purpose behind this freedom. Freedom shouldn’t necessarily mean separation from a particular country or a particular regime. Freedom means being able to live dignified lives and moving about freely without any fears or concerns. It means developing economically, living in communal harmony and serving justice to one and all.
While we can’t deny the fact that freedom means different things to different people but one thing is for sure that everyone in Kashmir wants an end to the oppression and none of them will oppose a change that will guarantee a better life to them. Perhaps it is time for the drivers of this movement to shun their traditional thinking and start taking into account the needs and aspirations of different sets of people. It is time we at least try to get something concrete from the Government of India as we cannot afford to put up with an outcome which is not worth our sacrifices.
People are following protest calendars like never before. Kashmiris are united like never before. They are leaving no stone unturned in hope of a better future. People don’t want to have to pick up their lives from where they left them before the movement started. We all want to start afresh. We don’t want a 2008 or 2010 like outcomes. We want results, howsoever small they may be for our sacrifices. We want validation because we aren’t laying down our lives for yet another year of useless outcomes.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
