Intro: A simple analysis of the agitations/protests in the Valley makes it clear that instead of humanitarian/social cause as the reason, the protests in the Valley are a tool (used by a certain section of people) to bring to fruition their propaganda.
Recently Jammu and Kashmir has seen a slew of state protests. Although most people of the state did not participate in these protests yet these protests have forced a pro-terrorism image of the Kashmir Valley.
It is no hidden fact that an intolerant and pro-terrorism image of Kashmir is what suites the Pakistani dream. Infact, Pakistan/separatists use this pro-terrorism image of the Valley as pro-Azadi; and, the intolerance of the Valley is propagated as the Islamic thirst of the people of Valley.
With new hope for the state, the period of twenty first century is thus the time when people of the Valley should seriously be concerned about their image.
A simple analysis of the agitations/protests in the Valley makes it clear that instead of humanitarian/social cause as the reason, the protests in the Valley are a tool (used by a certain section of people) to bring to fruition their propaganda.
Whole lot of illegal construction is going on in the Valley at the cost of regional fauna and flora. It is easily visible in cities like Srinagar and Gulmarg. Studies have shown direct relationship between the recent flood and unauthorized and uncontrolled urbanization which is happening directly under the nose of agitating factions like one under separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani which is the same faction that suddenly and selectively becomes nature friendly when it comes to annual Amar Nath Yatra of Hindus.
We have seen the agitating factions rioting on the streets of Srinagar after Indian Army had killed some Pakistani terrorists but not even a single protest has happened against Pakistan which not only misguided hundreds of Kashmiri youths but is also responsible for the loss of their lives. Once again people were on the streets after the arrest of separatist Masrat Alam but not even a single voice was heard against Masrat Alam for taking inspiration from terrorist Hafiz Saeed of Pakistan. The story does not end here, the West Pakistan Refugees (WPR) are living in the state from last six decades but without basic human rights. These two lakh Indian citizens are without citizenship rights in the state. WPRs are denied citizenship rights along with other constitutional rights like admission to government institutions. With the present government in the state the chances of their getting Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) have brightened up. But yet again the same faction has come out in the streets even against this gross humanitarian cause. And astonishingly nobody ever voiced against the illegal settlement of the Rohingya Muslims from Burma into Srinagar.
Governments at present, at the center and state, seem honest and serious in sending Kashmiri Hindus back to the Valley. So called representatives of J&K, ‘the groups/factions’, have become very aggressive and are protesting against it on daily basis. Please note not even a single protest has ever happened against the resettlement of terrorists in the Valley.
Instead of any humanitarian or social cause, it seems that Islamic fundamentalism is the only common pattern in all the protests talked above. Agitating factions (who have maligned the image of the Valley) have very good ability to manage media to become a talking point but ends up defaming Kashmir as a whole.
For the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir, it’s the responsibility of the people of the state to tell all fellow countrymen that these protests do not represent Kashmir Valley and are organised only by a certain faction with a certain ideology. It is also important for them to understand that it is their duty now to come out against these groups/factions’ in a way to similar to what they displayed during elections.
It’ s high time perception about Valley changes as the people of world have started to doubt Kashmiris who though conveniently stand against nation’s army never display the same resolve to confront the terrorists in a similar way.
Arvind (The writer is a researcher at J&K Study Center, New Delhi)
