An increasing number of women have been involved in the demonstrations, during which at least 45 people have been killed in the last eight weeks. Each death -- particularly those of two women so far -- has triggered further angry protests and an equally strong response from Indian paramilitary troops and police.
“Under such circumstances, you can’t expect us to remain silent,” said Ashraf, 49, who lives in Srinagar with her two young daughters. “We want to send out a message that we are not weak.”
Young men have always led the street protests and stone-throwing in Kashmir during 20 years of rebellion, but that is changing. “We have lost our patience. They have killed our sons and brothers. How do you expect us to be mute spectators?” 41-year-old Mehbooba Akhter, a mother of three teenage sons, told a news agency.
Akhter, a Srinagar resident, said she has been taking part in the wave of anti-India protests since they began on June 11. Hundreds of women and girls, have been regularly out on the streets chanting “we want freedom!” and “blood for blood!” Some carry sticks and stones.
Many women who do not directly take part in rallies carry drinking water to the protesters and also direct protestors down escape routes as they flee from baton charges, tear-gas and gunfire.
“It is not the responsibility of men alone to protest against injustice. We women have to be in the forefront to fight it too,” said Shamima Javed, 38. “I am joining protests to express my solidarity with those women who lost their sons and daughters.”
Other women believe they should not become involved. “I am against protests. They affect education and the livelihoods of thousands,” said Haleema Akhter, a retired woman in the southern town of Pampore. “But even my own 40-year-old daughter and her children are not willing to listen.”
Syeda Afshana, a leading columnist and lecturer in the main Kashmir university, says the increasing female presence reflects the sense of injustice felt by Kashmiris. “Out on the streets, women are making their minds felt,” Afshana told AFP. “By pelting stones, they are expressing their collective anger.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2010.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ