Kashmir clashes

Freedom, as we know, does not come without bloodshed and the struggle for it should not be confused with the more grisly acts of terror in the world that target the innocent. The saga of the Kashmiris’ struggle for independence has continued over the weekend, marking the first death anniversary of Burhan Wani on July 8, a young freedom fighter who mobilised a movement that has thus far claimed at least 100 lives and maimed thousands of others. Heated protests in the area have sparked violence on the part of authorities to tame the recalcitrant group that initiated the demonstrations. The flames have been smouldering ever since. It is imperative for the leadership on both sides to bring the Kashmiris to the table and negotiate rather than allow more blood to be shed.

Wani’s band of fighters have changed the landscape of Kashmir whose youth are more defiant and adamant than ever before in their secession dream. It is peculiar that the Pakistan government is not doing more than offering platitudes about Wani’s struggle. Granted, Wani’s catapulting into action was prompted by deep humiliation received at the hands of Indian troops who assaulted him and his brother, later murdering the latter. Wani, however, became the representative of all Kashmiris and forced the Indian authorities to do more than simply implement curfews whenever there is a disruption in the normal ebb and flow of life in Kashmir. Likewise, sending the Internet offline is cowardly. We recognise the authorities are fearful of an uprising organised through social media. Also, revolutions have never been a pet event of leaderships in this region.

Passively promoting the issue at international forums is not the only thing the prime minister should be doing; he has an entire cabinet to do that for him. Kashmir deserves action and the PM must take a more active interest in the ongoing clashes.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2017.

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