Communal harmony that engenders from mutual respect and tolerance is a hallmark of any civilized human society. The idea of accommodating each other rests at the very foundation of human civilization. Since societies are not monoliths, differences in different measure and quality are bound to happen. The real test of a living and sensible society is to be alive and alert to the danger of differences morphing into animosities.  As a matter of routine all the societies and cultures, world over, get along well with the differences of denominations and preferences. But the real task is to safeguard the coherence and concord among different communities at a time when a certain condition brings the fault-lines under pressure. Like all other societies, Kashmir too has passed through many such conditions when its communal fabric came under a caustic threat. Though it is heartening that our history has not recorded any bloodshed on this count, like the ones that have been recorded elsewhere, but always taking recourse to this soothing historic reference can sometimes turn us oblivious towards the pitfalls on this path. In the same line of argument it needs to be added that as a society we have hit a snag or two on this path towards communal harmony. It is better if we look at this subject of communal harmony with a twin feeling of contentment and caution; contentment over the fact that ours is a tolerant society, and caution because there have been occasions when menacing waves did reach the banks. It does speak about the level of tolerance in the Muslim community of Kashmir, which though in overwhelming majority, could save itself from the frenzy, like 1947 partition. Again, it is a historic fact that never as a matter of reaction did this Muslim community of Kashmir harm anyone when the news of communal clashes in India would set the sentiments on fire. No matter what the scale of damage in those clashes, Kashmir retained its composure, and desisted from turning chaotic despite being aggrieved enormously. Leaving aside the examples in the far off territories of time and space, the way Kashmir has been behaving in the last two decades holds lessons for societies-in-conflict world over. Though there are some minor discrepancies, but largely the Muslim society of Kashmir has exhibited utmost restraint and disallowed the rupturing of relations along communal lines. Even in a surcharged atmosphere of 2008, when the primary, and the only, reason for public anger was the communal offensive launched in the guise of a religious pilgrimage, Yatra went well. There was not even a minor hurt on a single human body. It was rather like the imagination of a novelist that when hundreds and thousands were protesting against Land Transfer to the Amarnath Shrine Board, the same populations would arrange free kitchens for Amarnath pilgrims. The role of Separatist leadership at that point in time was really commendable. Same is the case with 2010. On the one hand the entire Muslim population is in a state of siege, yet the Amarnath Yatra goes perfectly well. In this situation if some doubts are raised that a particular community has a reason to worry, it smacks of some conspiracy against the very society of Kashmir, of which Muslims form the overwhelming part. More than the Sikh community, it is a cause of concern for Muslims. There is a need to send across a clear and categorical message that all these threats are fake, and Muslim community has nothing against any minority group.  On a more practical note the leaders and the elders of the two communities need to enhance communications between themselves. The elements of doubt and suspicion can only be worked on in the absence of communication. If we have sufficient links between the two communities we can fight the situation well and defeat the unscrupulous elements. 

Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST