It has taken twenty-one years for the feeling to sink in. But the reconciliation is impossible. What more can be tragic than losing Kashmir, a home for over three lakh displaced Kashmiri people. Ask the people what ails them, and the only answer is ‘Kashmir’. Over two decades ago, Kashmir was their equal Right. They had houses, lands, good posts and were happy people. Neighbours were more like family, temple bell and mosque azan rhymed together. Eid, Shivratri were celebrated together. It was a picture perfect scene. But then, suddenly dark clouds shrouded the vale and swayed over minds with hatred, contempt and terror. Selective targets were made. Young and powerful were gunned down mercilessly to shatter the confidence.
Terror mounted to such an extent that people were forced to flee valley. The dark night of January 19-20th of the year 1990 can never be forgotten. What happened on this night was the culmination of a serious attack on the secular fabric of the country. Kashmiri mind was divided on religious lines. Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindus were forced to leave. Pakistan’s first step of a vicious plan was successful.
What happened on that night has never been discussed or investigated. There is a deliberate silence on the happenings. Why? The answers are hard to find, but suspicion looms large. Terrorists could not have been so successful, rampageous mobs could not have unleashed violence, loudspeakers from roof tops of houses and mosques could not have a led to a murderous din and terrorists could not have made selective and guided killings, had the local police and administration not mysteriously vanished. Thousands of distress calls were ignored at the state and centre level. It was the ethnic cleansing that took place on that night.
Lakhs fled for life, honour and safety. This was no mean displacement. It was the modern day holocaust. Very recently, Farooq Abdullah admitted the wrong done to the Kashmiri Pandits/Hindus. Truth has to come out. There is a strong case of a Commission to be set up to investigate and reveal the bitter truth of 19th – 20th January 1990 night.

Yesterday, I passed by Abdullah News Agency, one of the oldest newspaper sellers agency in Srinagar on the banks of River Jehlum. I looked at calendars of various private organization and reminded me of Hurriyat protest calendars which they issued during summer 2010. But to my surprise there was Hurriyat Geelani’s calendar hanging on the shelves of the agency. People were buying this calendar. I thought this calendar would be protest calendar for year 2011 and I also jumped into the cue to grab one, out of curiosity. But the calendar was a real calendar and it didn’t mention any protest schedule.Hurriyat protest calendars brought life in Kashmir to a standstill last year. The protests over the killing of Tufail Matoo and subsequent unrest and demonstrations were scheduled by Hurriyat Geelani faction through their calendars. The process of calendarisation sustained for around six months and could mobilize people for agitation successfully. Those protest calendars spoke about the need for mass condemnations, over the killings of civilians and asked people to come on streets for demonstrations. Calendars would be issued initially through newspapers and later on through Facebook. Around 115 people lost their lives during six months long unrest in various firing incidents and many were arrested on the charges of provoking people for agitation and stone pelting which include associates of Hurriyat Geelani, Masarat Alam and Mirwaiz faction.But this fresh calendar that has come in the market is properly published with colourful images and attractive fonts and cost of each calendar is Rs 25. At the top of the calendar reads a slogan of Syed Ali Shah Geelani and timing of Nimaz ( mikat for five time prayers) and monthly dates and days. The rest part of each page is filled with information regarding Kashmir problem. First sentence says “Would you forget” and then says “on 5th January 1949 United Nations have passed second resolution on the Kashmir’s right to self determination”. Another date 6 January 1993 gives details of another incident : “Border Security Forces killed 45 civilians in Sopore”. “On 21 Janury 1990, CRPF killed 55 people who were peacefully demonstrating in Gav Kadal”, calendar further adds ”On 26 January 1998, 26 Kashmiri pandiths were massacred by men in khaki “. And on 27 January 1994, “27 civilians were killed by army in Kupwara” as per the calendar.  These sequence of columns with details regarding the human casualties in Kashmir continues till December 2011 in each monthly page. One quarter of the page is occupied by a green flag of Hurriyat which is unfurled on the map of Jammu and Kashmir.  Major portion of the map has been filled with colours of fire depicting that the part of this land is on fire.Though the process of protest calendars are over now but the impact and the system of defiance is still there. Protest calendars during six long months challenged the government’s work calendars. Schools, Colleges and Universities remained open on Sundays following the schedule of Hurriyat Geelani calendar, which was in way defiance and in legal terms contempt to the government’s calendars.During six months long protests, strikes and subsequent curfews people arranged their personal engagements and marriage dates were particularly finalized on Hurriyat calendars. When two persons talk to each other and then wanted to settle on the dates for next meeting, the first thing they would attribute would be a calendar not government’s but of Hurriyat’s.  Anyways there are no more protests, no stone pelting and no strikes or curfews. Life has restored back to normalcy. People are seen in large numbers in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk which remained deserted for months. Few days ago I was with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence where in an informal chat I complained about the traffic jam, one would wonder to know how he responded “I am happy that at least there is a traffic jam and not the roads without traffic”. There was obviously an agreement on his reaction among the people sitting next to me. He further added that whenever I would pass by Lal Chowk which would always be off the traffic and would look horrible. I wish things would remain peaceful in future Omar concluded.

Kashmir valley is shivering due to minus temperature since the beginning of December, which has forced people to stay indoors, but the government decision on keeping schools open during winter has on the contrary forced youth to go out to attend the classes. Temperature in Srinagar is hovering around minus 5.6 degree Celsius, while Pahalgam and other suburb areas are chilly with around four degrees less than Srinagar.
The meteorological department has already warned that the dry cold spell would continue till western disturbances bring some showers. But even after showers, the king of cold in common parlance ‘Chilaikalaan’ would come on 21st December and would make the whole of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions shiver. This cold period of forty days would continue till second week of January. But the son of the cold king commonly known as ‘chilbach’ has to usurp and would continue to bring woes to the locals for another forty days with severe cold.
This whole period of extreme chilly season would be a real nightmare for Kashmiris in general and students above class nine in particular. Govenment’s decision that schools would remain open during winters for students above ninth class. This decision was taken in view of the loss rendered by shutdowns and subsequent curfews.
Kashmir unrest has hit the education setup badly. More than five months shutdown and subsequent curfews have had impact on students of the valley. But government is also aware of the fact that it was students who were actively participating in the protest against government. Most of the youth killed in protests were students and those arrested were also students. Now the beleaguered students have to attend the classes to face the subtle punishment. No basic facilities are available with the education department for students to meet climatic requirements. Students who did not participate in protests also suffer this mass punishment under the garb of education rehabilitation policy.
This revenge policy is for students, teachers and parents also. Government has already had information from the police department that government officials were part of anti government protests. Noor Mohd Bhat, a teacher and a paper setter is an explicit example; he was arrested for including provocative paragraph in the translation of the English paper. He has attributed a paragraph of a local Urdu daily, in the question paper, showing the ruthless face of state forces to convince his anger against the government. But his subtle way of agitation exposed soon after the paper was made public.
Government has now chosen a soft way to punish people like Noor and others by asking them to attend jobs even under adverse climate.
This policy is going to be counter-productive for the government. This simply shows that government is too ready to compensate and restructure what is damaged during anti government agitation. This also shows that state has stooped low and bowed before those powers who have raised voice against the state, though apparently government has shown moral high ground by compensating the loss inflicted by strikes and curfews.

There is a significant development in the stormy teacup of Kashmir politics. The forcibly displaced Kashmiri community from the valley is coming out of hibernation. It has taken twenty years for the unfortunate community to gather its strength, take stock and start a lonely battle for existence.

Old and young can be seen protesting together whenever the separatists are holding a conference anywhere in the country. We saw it in Delhi, Chandigarh and Kolkata. In all the three places, the separatist leaders were trying to justify the sinister “cause” of “breaking away”. The first protest was against Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Arundati Roy’s seminar on Azadi. Geelani’s speech would not have evoked a sharp response but Arundati Roy’s jumping on the gun did. She has stirred and shaken the community. Maulvi Omar Farooq was slapped in Chandigarh. Again in Delhi, eggs were thrown at him.

It is for the first time that the community members, both men and women, can be seen shouting slogans and denouncing the hate politics. The fact, that the people who were responsible for the ethnic cleansing are now preaching non-violence, is like adding salt to their wounds.

There is a growing demand of a Commission to be set up to probe the circumstances in which the ethnic cleansing happened. This has been put forth by the apex body of the displaced Kashmiri community, All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) in its meeting with the Interlocutors. It is sad that the political and intellectual class, including a plethora of NGOs and Human rights activists like Arundati Roy has repeatedly tried to cover up many uncomfortable questions regarding the tragedy. The reason of the silence looks equally sinister.

Recently, in a significant ruling by Delhi High Court in a case concerning retired Kashmiri Pandit government employees, Justice Gita Mittal, said in her judgment, “This case is testimony to events which led to unprecedented ethnic cleansing of a minority community from the Kashmir valley on account of the inability of the State to protect them and their property from violence, who as a result were rendered homeless.” Here mark the words “ethnic cleansing”.

The exiled community is neither a vote bank, nor a rich class, and certainly not a militant group. That is the reason why their agony has been ignored by all.

A laptop saddled at the back and an ambition to rub the nose of high and mighty!  That is the image which comes to mind when one thinks of chief editor of Wikileaks Julian Assange.

Shifting base the fugitive journalist is till date able to duck even Interpol red corner alert.
Who is he? Is he Chinese or Australian-debates go on while he is coolly releasing facts and figures sending chills down the spine of super powers.

Whole of America and entire west is thirsting to lynch him. He has upset many an applecart and divulged facts guarded with utmost zeal by the authorities.

Whom has he harmed? General Public or Mighty Governments?

Dissemination of information even classified ones are healthy in principal. We have already seen enough of hanky panky in the name of classified information. This concept was invented by the vested interest to cheat on the gullible public.

Democracy can not be anything les than full. Controlled democracy or manipulated democracy must be shunned. Unfortunately authorities across the world are allowing just a sneak view into their functioning to common man. Here comes Assange who is championing your cause, my cause ,cause of common man and shows you the truth.

No journalist as great as Assange was ever born. He has shown the might of a well-meaning scribe almost single handed. He is neither god nor omniscient. Yet he knew in minute details of US establishment. Or for that matter any other Establishments. How was it possible?

A well–intentioned journalist attracts individuals who wish to share sordid details of the government. Such officials of high integrity who fail to stop the vested interest in their track, take shelters in Assangs across the world to get even with the wrong doers.

Surely it can not be against the public good. But see the gall of the pseudo moralists who in the name of public good want to murder the whistle blower.

All the talks of democracy and transparency lie in tatters in the context of America. The entire country with its govt and media included are behaving so cowardly in Assange’s case. Except a lone voice from here or there every one wants Julian to be tried for sedition. America’s statue of liberty should better be shifted to India as we have more mature democracy as voice of dissent are tolerated without bloodshed. A free walking Tarun Tejpal is case in point.

But US and West should learn it quickly that Assange is an irreversible process as invasion of virtual world to your drawing room can not be stopped. Times have changed and so should you, Mr America.

It is well known that Big Boss on Colours is a successful show. What made it popular were its participants and the controversies surrounding them. In its fourth season also, it continued to catch people’s fancy due to its fabulous participants.

The show started with a bang in this season too. Salman Khan is playing its host. Famous celebrities like Veena Mallick from Pakistan, TV actress Sweta Tiwary, Bhojpuri cinema star Manoj Tiwary, Rahul Bhatta, Sar Khan are part of the team. In the beginning all was well. But gradually the true face of the show began to appear. If you watch the show you can not escape from being embarrassed.

The quality of show registered a noticeable fall soon after the entry of Dolly Bindra. Flying abuses and insulting tones spoken publicly are commonplace here. Dolly’s choicest abuses and Ashmit-Veena link up ensured its fall in people’s imagination.

Reality show Rakhi Ka Insaf on NDTV Imagine fared no better. Watching this show with family is a daunting task. In line with her image, Rakhi uses sub standard vocabulary and and the guest list in her show speak volumes about its quality. But the show really touched its lowest point when a man participating in her show was so frustrated later that he decided to end his life. One really wonders how far these shows can go to affect a common man’s life.

IB Ministry has directed both the shows to refrain from distributing their clippings to news channels. It has also directed them to carry the rider that this show in not fit for viewing for all age group.

Now the question arises whether changing schedule of shows can help curb the obscenities spread by such shows. We all know that TV is not the only medium through which craps are distributed. I do not think this little effort by IB Ministry can stop spreading the obscenities as there are scores of media such as You Tube which are handing out such stuff.

I have never been supporter of ban on freedom of expression. It is alright when TV Channels make shows full of entertaining value for the audience but serving obscenities and sub standard stuff in the name of freedom of expression must not be tolerated by a civil society. We need to come up with an effective policy which discourages shows like Big Boss and Rakhi Ka Insaf from polluting the social milieu.

As a child when you grow up in Chhata-celebrating community you find out that all festivals pale in insignificance before it. Chhata is celebrated with utter seriousness and chat maharani is revered a lot in our community.

The power of Chhata is such that as the festival closes on you, your house itself is converted into some kind of temple. Cleanliness and holiness are emphasized no end. The Prasad is prepared with total purity lest the goddess is angered.

Such venerations, I believe is born out of long experience. Million and million of peoples’ faith in Chat may be a subject of sociological debate but the pay off of a pooja done with sincerity and purity must have been there to give rise to abiding faith.

My memory of venturing into the room where chhata Prasad is kept before the puja without being properly clean is vivid. My mother, a sweet lady otherwise, would turn into shouting demonic figure and would behave as if I have defiled the God.

Chhata falls after Diwali. We would save crackers from Diwali to be able to fire them on the eve of Chhata. We as a child would store crackers for months before Diwali to beat neighbourhood boys when it came to “who has the biggest stock”. But the lure of coming Chhat would be so strong that we would save some crackers from diwali nevertheless.

The ghat where the chhatt would be celebrated has also interesting story to tell. The lost and forgotten bank would suddenly get every body’s attention. Local politicians will start visiting it and would pitch in to spruce it up for the big occasion.

People generally have earmarked spots for themselves and we as children would begin to decorate the place. Banana trees and its broad leafs come very handy. Lighting arrangements are also done on a big scale so that the owner of the spot will have added sense of pride.

Evening argh takes place amidst music and sound of bursting crackers. The song of Sharda Sinha and likes would convert the whole atmosphere very heart touching. One really goes nostalgic thinking about those days as the pressure of metropolitan life has robbed us of careless joy these days.

Arrival of Chhata coincides with onset of winter. Quilt and sweaters are generally used for the first time in the winter season on the morning argh of chat. You have never prepared with a zest and enthusiasm for the arrival of Sun god as you do now. People get up early morning nay night to prepare to go to ghat.

Arriving on the ghat, getting inside the water and waiting for the Sun God are indeed thrilling. Facing east with folded hands faithful presents a sight of spiritual India—a sight without any parallel  in the world.

And the thrill of having Thekua and bhusava, right there on the ghat after the pooja- will usher in a sense of completion of this great festival. Shouting Chhata maharani ki jai we will return home with a sense of triumph and satisfaction.

Barack Obama may be the most powerful person on the earth but his wife is no less. If Barack is known for his formidable personality among the leaders of the world, his wife and the first lady of America, Michelle is known for her styles.

Simple yet modern, Michelle looks classic and has authored numerous styles. What she wears becomes a fad and what she takes up on hand becomes a craze.

We will talk about Michelle’s heart touching frankness and simplicity. The way she mingled with children on the very first day of her arrival in India and her free style of dancing with kids were indeed peerless. The first lady of America addressed student of St. Xavier’s college and handed out a massage no less significant in meaning than in form.

Going down the memory lane of rather tough life in childhood she told the assembly that she wishes them to dream big not only for themselves but also for their community. Touching the heart strings of the assembly Michelle said “at your age I had never dreamt that I will be the first lady of United States of America ever or I will travel the length and breadth of the world and come to meet young people like you.”

Michelle said that she comes from a working class family and her parents were very hard working. They may not have showered her and her brother with material gifts but they did give them strong values and a great sense of morality, added Michelle. Our parents taught how to excel in what ever we lay our hands on.46 year old Michelle told that my parents taught me to be humble and polite and achieve impossible in education.

Her style of narration is so attractive that one feels bad when she stops. Coming from a humble background she has achieved the highest honours of being the first lady of America and all without an iota of distortion in her native innocence.

Inspiring the assembly in Mumbai, she said that your circumstances do not define you; rather it is you who define the circumstances. I am confident it is we who and who alone can write out destiny.

Even the President Barack Obama appreciates Michelle’s attitude towards life. He even admits that she is a better speaker than him. After accompanying her husband to India she has tried to spend quality time with such people who are ordinary and from humble background. She danced with kids, inspired boys in colleges and shared secret to success.

In brief, Michelle is matchless!

I always heard Congress Party leaders, saying “Aam Admi Ka Haath Congress Ka Saath”.

No doubt, the slogan worked in favour of Congress Party and it regained power at the Centre after NDA’s rule in 2004.

But the Congress ‘Yuvraaj’ Rahul Gandhi’s new definition to Garibi (Poverty) and Congress’ association with it is really making me confused.

At the AICC meet in New Delhi, Rahul reiterated, “India’s development is associated with poverty. At present, there are two kinds of Hindustan—First one Giribo Ka Hindustan (Poor’s India) and second one is fast growing Hindustan.”

“But I think the original and powerful Hindustan exists in Garibo ka Hindustan.”

Rahulji sorry! If I misinterpreted your statement. But what I can analyze is that “India will not exist if poverty ends. Congress Party will be vanished if it poverty removed from the country.”

How a country can be powerful with poverty and corruption? The sincere answer is that politics will end when poverty ends.

A country can be put on development path only with the better education system, Industrial growth and scientific agricultural system. A corruption free bureaucracy is the key for a democratic country to become a developed nation.

After 63 years of Independence, the most of the time ‘Aam Aadmi Ka Haath’ was with Congress Party but neither the slogan gets change nor the Aam Aadmi’s fate.

Even Congress party is not looking sincere to end the corruption games.  You speak about poverty and common man but you never raise the issues like Commonwealth Games Corruption and Aadarsh Housing Society scam. Because in this scams, top brass Congress leaders are involved?

Just visiting poor’s house or speaking for them before cameras isn’t the solution of crores of downtrodden.

They need employment opportunities to establish themselves. A Common man will not rely on any political outfit if he is given education and other fundamental rights to join the fastest growing community of India, which I think will be the true Hindustan.

India is the biggest democracy in the world. The Constitution has granted the right to freedom of speech. But, when did this fundamental privilege turn into the ‘right’ to abuse the very nation that gives us so much of freedom? The recently held seminar on “Azadi- the Only Way” has left one confused. The platform of the seminar is located in the heart of the capital, Little Theatre Group on Copernicus Marg, just a few kilometers away from the seat of democracy, the Parliament. There on that platform some startling statements were made. Excerpts of some of them:

“CPI-Maoists unequivocally supports Kashmiri people’s struggle for azadi”

“Dal Khalsa is fighting for a separate identity of Sikh homeland; hence we give full support to ‘azadi movement in the Kashmiri”

Speaker after speaker spoke in this language. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Arundati Roy, Maoist leader Varavara Rao, Sujato Bhadra, Gursharan Singh, Dr. N. Venuh of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and others. Sitting pretty on the podium was Syed Ali Shah Geelani with Arundati Roy on his left, who, of late, is being viewed as the flag bearer of the secessionist forces in the country. What happened at the seminar has been reported in the media. There were accusations and counter accusations, young men from Kashmir were seen openly challenging the might of India. The atmosphere was vitriolic. There was a group which was opposing this. And what happened next is the real shocker. Those bearing the tri-colour were forcibly evicted and the secessionists were given all the time and the space to vent their heart out. Delhi police and other Security personnel chose to look the other way. Poor guys, what could they have done because they were briefed to keep mum.

As if this was not enough, the “azadi speakers” spoke in Srinagar too. Here, Arundati Roy while reinforcing her defiance said “Kashmir has never been an integral part of India. It is a historical fact. Even the Indian government has accepted this.” She justifies her speech as a writer’s right. But isn’t this over simplified justification?  She may be working on some dammed agenda but is it right for a writer to abuse the nation and the patriotic sentiments of millions of people? She better look around. No nation can forgive such malicious thoughts. Be it China or Pakistan or the Arab world, where perhaps she could even face stones.

A writer needs all freedom to exercise his or her creativity. But to advocate dismembering of a nation certainly does not reflect creativity. It manifests a mind which pleasures in sadistic activity and at the same time exposes the situation wherein efforts could be the furtherance of self goal, thereby entering into grave area of conspiracy.

Kashmir solution does not lie in “Azadi”. Kashmir is a far greater complex issue. Perhaps the advocates of “Azadi” have forgotten history. In 1947, raiders from Pakistan attacked the then “independent Kashmir”. The besieged valley sought help from India. The tribal invasion by Pakistan on Kashmir proved the fact that it wanted to annex Kashmir by force. Since then, Pakistan has been consistently and vigorously pursuing Kashmir. Let this not be forgotten.

Making statements and giving lectures on Kashmir is not a difficult task for any writer or speaker. But, understanding Kashmir is not everyone’s cup of tea. Perhaps, a mind like Arundati Roy is playing to certain designs. Half truths and half lies cannot decide the fate of a state. Yes, “Azadi” should be the demand and “azadi is the only way. But azadi be demanded from the fanatics and the fundamentalists, from the corrupt and the divisive forces, be they on this side of the line or the other.

India is the biggest democracy in the world. The Constitution has granted the right to freedom of speech. But, when did this fundamental privilege turn into the ‘right’ to abuse the very nation that gives us so much of freedom? The recently held seminar on “Azadi- the Only Way” has left one confused. The platform of the seminar is located in the heart of the capital, Little Theatre Group on Copernicus Marg, just a few kilometers away from the seat of democracy, the Parliament. There on that platform some startling statements were made. Excerpts of some of them:

“CPI-Maoists unequivocally supports Kashmiri people’s struggle for azadi”

“Dal Khalsa is fighting for a separate identity of Sikh homeland; hence we give full support to ‘azadi movement in the Kashmiri”

Speaker after speaker spoke in this language. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Arundati Roy, Maoist leader Varavara Rao, Sujato Bhadra, Gursharan Singh, Dr. N. Venuh of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and others. Sitting pretty on the podium was Syed Ali Shah Geelani with Arundati Roy on his left, who, of late, is being viewed as the flag bearer of the secessionist forces in the country. What happened at the seminar has been reported in the media. There were accusations and counter accusations, young men from Kashmir were seen openly challenging the might of India. The atmosphere was vitriolic. There was a group which was opposing this. And what happened next is the real shocker. Those bearing the tri-colour were forcibly evicted and the secessionists were given all the time and the space to vent their heart out. Delhi police and other Security personnel chose to look the other way. Poor guys, what could they have done because they were briefed to keep mum.

As if this was not enough, the “azadi speakers” spoke in Srinagar too. Here, Arundati Roy while reinforcing her defiance said “Kashmir has never been an integral part of India. It is a historical fact. Even the Indian government has accepted this.” She justifies her speech as a writer’s right. But isn’t this over simplified justification?  She may be working on some dammed agenda but is it right for a writer to abuse the nation and the patriotic sentiments of millions of people? She better look around. No nation can forgive such malicious thoughts. Be it China or Pakistan or the Arab world, where perhaps she could even face stones.

A writer needs all freedom to exercise his or her creativity. But to advocate dismembering of a nation certainly does not reflect creativity. It manifests a mind which pleasures in sadistic activity and at the same time exposes the situation wherein efforts could be the furtherance of self goal, thereby entering into grave area of conspiracy.

Kashmir solution does not lie in “Azadi”. Kashmir is a far greater complex issue. Perhaps the advocates of “Azadi” have forgotten history. In 1947, raiders from Pakistan attacked the then “independent Kashmir”. The besieged valley sought help from India. The tribal invasion by Pakistan on Kashmir proved the fact that it wanted to annex Kashmir by force. Since then, Pakistan has been consistently and vigorously pursuing Kashmir. Let this not be forgotten.

Making statements and giving lectures on Kashmir is not a difficult task for any writer or speaker. But, understanding Kashmir is not everyone’s cup of tea. Perhaps, a mind like Arundati Roy is playing to certain designs. Half truths and half lies cannot decide the fate of a state. Yes, “Azadi” should be the demand and “azadi is the only way. But azadi be demanded from the fanatics and the fundamentalists, from the corrupt and the divisive forces, be they on this side of the line or the other.

India is the biggest democracy in the world. The Constitution has granted the right to freedom of speech. But, when did this fundamental privilege turn into the ‘right’ to abuse the very nation that gives us so much of freedom? The recently held seminar on “Azadi- the Only Way” has left one confused. The platform of the seminar is located in the heart of the capital, Little Theatre Group on Copernicus Marg, just a few kilometers away from the seat of democracy, the Parliament. There on that platform some startling statements were made. Excerpts of some of them:

“CPI-Maoists unequivocally supports Kashmiri people’s struggle for azadi”

“Dal Khalsa is fighting for a separate identity of Sikh homeland; hence we give full support to ‘azadi movement in the Kashmiri”

Speaker after speaker spoke in this language. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Arundati Roy, Maoist leader Varavara Rao, Sujato Bhadra, Gursharan Singh, Dr. N. Venuh of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and others. Sitting pretty on the podium was Syed Ali Shah Geelani with Arundati Roy on his left, who, of late, is being viewed as the flag bearer of the secessionist forces in the country. What happened at the seminar has been reported in the media. There were accusations and counter accusations, young men from Kashmir were seen openly challenging the might of India. The atmosphere was vitriolic. There was a group which was opposing this. And what happened next is the real shocker. Those bearing the tri-colour were forcibly evicted and the secessionists were given all the time and the space to vent their heart out. Delhi police and other Security personnel chose to look the other way. Poor guys, what could they have done because they were briefed to keep mum.

As if this was not enough, the “azadi speakers” spoke in Srinagar too. Here, Arundati Roy while reinforcing her defiance said “Kashmir has never been an integral part of India. It is a historical fact. Even the Indian government has accepted this.” She justifies her speech as a writer’s right. But isn’t this over simplified justification?  She may be working on some dammed agenda but is it right for a writer to abuse the nation and the patriotic sentiments of millions of people? She better look around. No nation can forgive such malicious thoughts. Be it China or Pakistan or the Arab world, where perhaps she could even face stones.

A writer needs all freedom to exercise his or her creativity. But to advocate dismembering of a nation certainly does not reflect creativity. It manifests a mind which pleasures in sadistic activity and at the same time exposes the situation wherein efforts could be the furtherance of self goal, thereby entering into grave area of conspiracy.

Kashmir solution does not lie in “Azadi”. Kashmir is a far greater complex issue. Perhaps the advocates of “Azadi” have forgotten history. In 1947, raiders from Pakistan attacked the then “independent Kashmir”. The besieged valley sought help from India. The tribal invasion by Pakistan on Kashmir proved the fact that it wanted to annex Kashmir by force. Since then, Pakistan has been consistently and vigorously pursuing Kashmir. Let this not be forgotten.

Making statements and giving lectures on Kashmir is not a difficult task for any writer or speaker. But, understanding Kashmir is not everyone’s cup of tea. Perhaps, a mind like Arundati Roy is playing to certain designs. Half truths and half lies cannot decide the fate of a state. Yes, “Azadi” should be the demand and “azadi is the only way. But azadi be demanded from the fanatics and the fundamentalists, from the corrupt and the divisive forces, be they on this side of the line or the other.

India is the biggest democracy in the world. The Constitution has granted the right to freedom of speech. But, when did this fundamental privilege turn into the ‘right’ to abuse the very nation that gives us so much of freedom? The recently held seminar on “Azadi- the Only Way” has left one confused. The platform of the seminar is located in the heart of the capital, Little Theatre Group on Copernicus Marg, just a few kilometers away from the seat of democracy, the Parliament. There on that platform some startling statements were made. Excerpts of some of them:

“CPI-Maoists unequivocally supports Kashmiri people’s struggle for azadi”

“Dal Khalsa is fighting for a separate identity of Sikh homeland; hence we give full support to ‘azadi movement in the Kashmiri”

Speaker after speaker spoke in this language. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Arundati Roy, Maoist leader Varavara Rao, Sujato Bhadra, Gursharan Singh, Dr. N. Venuh of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and others. Sitting pretty on the podium was Syed Ali Shah Geelani with Arundati Roy on his left, who, of late, is being viewed as the flag bearer of the secessionist forces in the country. What happened at the seminar has been reported in the media. There were accusations and counter accusations, young men from Kashmir were seen openly challenging the might of India. The atmosphere was vitriolic. There was a group which was opposing this. And what happened next is the real shocker. Those bearing the tri-colour were forcibly evicted and the secessionists were given all the time and the space to vent their heart out. Delhi police and other Security personnel chose to look the other way. Poor guys, what could they have done because they were briefed to keep mum.

As if this was not enough, the “azadi speakers” spoke in Srinagar too. Here, Arundati Roy while reinforcing her defiance said “Kashmir has never been an integral part of India. It is a historical fact. Even the Indian government has accepted this.” She justifies her speech as a writer’s right. But isn’t this over simplified justification?  She may be working on some dammed agenda but is it right for a writer to abuse the nation and the patriotic sentiments of millions of people? She better look around. No nation can forgive such malicious thoughts. Be it China or Pakistan or the Arab world, where perhaps she could even face stones.

A writer needs all freedom to exercise his or her creativity. But to advocate dismembering of a nation certainly does not reflect creativity. It manifests a mind which pleasures in sadistic activity and at the same time exposes the situation wherein efforts could be the furtherance of self goal, thereby entering into grave area of conspiracy.

Kashmir solution does not lie in “Azadi”. Kashmir is a far greater complex issue. Perhaps the advocates of “Azadi” have forgotten history. In 1947, raiders from Pakistan attacked the then “independent Kashmir”. The besieged valley sought help from India. The tribal invasion by Pakistan on Kashmir proved the fact that it wanted to annex Kashmir by force. Since then, Pakistan has been consistently and vigorously pursuing Kashmir. Let this not be forgotten.

Making statements and giving lectures on Kashmir is not a difficult task for any writer or speaker. But, understanding Kashmir is not everyone’s cup of tea. Perhaps, a mind like Arundati Roy is playing to certain designs. Half truths and half lies cannot decide the fate of a state. Yes, “Azadi” should be the demand and “azadi is the only way. But azadi be demanded from the fanatics and the fundamentalists, from the corrupt and the divisive forces, be they on this side of the line or the other.

India is the biggest democracy in the world. The Constitution has granted the right to freedom of speech. But, when did this fundamental privilege turn into the ‘right’ to abuse the very nation that gives us so much of freedom? The recently held seminar on “Azadi- the Only Way” has left one confused. The platform of the seminar is located in the heart of the capital, Little Theatre Group on Copernicus Marg, just a few kilometers away from the seat of democracy, the Parliament. There on that platform some startling statements were made. Excerpts of some of them:

“CPI-Maoists unequivocally supports Kashmiri people’s struggle for azadi”

“Dal Khalsa is fighting for a separate identity of Sikh homeland; hence we give full support to ‘azadi movement in the Kashmiri”

Speaker after speaker spoke in this language. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Arundati Roy, Maoist leader Varavara Rao, Sujato Bhadra, Gursharan Singh, Dr. N. Venuh of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and others. Sitting pretty on the podium was Syed Ali Shah Geelani with Arundati Roy on his left, who, of late, is being viewed as the flag bearer of the secessionist forces in the country. What happened at the seminar has been reported in the media. There were accusations and counter accusations, young men from Kashmir were seen openly challenging the might of India. The atmosphere was vitriolic. There was a group which was opposing this. And what happened next is the real shocker. Those bearing the tri-colour were forcibly evicted and the secessionists were given all the time and the space to vent their heart out. Delhi police and other Security personnel chose to look the other way. Poor guys, what could they have done because they were briefed to keep mum.

As if this was not enough, the “azadi speakers” spoke in Srinagar too. Here, Arundati Roy while reinforcing her defiance said “Kashmir has never been an integral part of India. It is a historical fact. Even the Indian government has accepted this.” She justifies her speech as a writer’s right. But isn’t this over simplified justification?  She may be working on some dammed agenda but is it right for a writer to abuse the nation and the patriotic sentiments of millions of people? She better look around. No nation can forgive such malicious thoughts. Be it China or Pakistan or the Arab world, where perhaps she could even face stones.

A writer needs all freedom to exercise his or her creativity. But to advocate dismembering of a nation certainly does not reflect creativity. It manifests a mind which pleasures in sadistic activity and at the same time exposes the situation wherein efforts could be the furtherance of self goal, thereby entering into grave area of conspiracy.

Kashmir solution does not lie in “Azadi”. Kashmir is a far greater complex issue. Perhaps the advocates of “Azadi” have forgotten history. In 1947, raiders from Pakistan attacked the then “independent Kashmir”. The besieged valley sought help from India. The tribal invasion by Pakistan on Kashmir proved the fact that it wanted to annex Kashmir by force. Since then, Pakistan has been consistently and vigorously pursuing Kashmir. Let this not be forgotten.

Making statements and giving lectures on Kashmir is not a difficult task for any writer or speaker. But, understanding Kashmir is not everyone’s cup of tea. Perhaps, a mind like Arundati Roy is playing to certain designs. Half truths and half lies cannot decide the fate of a state. Yes, “Azadi” should be the demand and “azadi is the only way. But azadi be demanded from the fanatics and the fundamentalists, from the corrupt and the divisive forces, be they on this side of the line or the other.