Another day, another tale and the blood-fest continues as fear hangs in the air and rile envelopes all. I recollect a German phrase “Kulturpessimismus “ (excuse the articulation, it’s been ages) which i  learnt  early in school meaning a pervasive gloom embracing everyone , it seems so apt for our present times.  A generation bred on oration and homilies, now 20 years on we still stead the sterile path with triumph remaining as elusive and dreams afar.

Ruthless violations and predatory instinct being the hallmark of the belligerent “other” what bewilders is our competition for the same.  Freedom movements work as catalysts for the evolution and maturity of nations moulding them against the criterion of unyielding commitment and firm conviction, characteristics indispensably epitomised by the leadership - the kingpins of the movement.Yet in Kashmir despite two decades of incessant turmoil sanctified by vast sacrifices and determination of the common masses what remains amiss is the absence of corresponding dynamism by the leadership.  The culpability conveniently misplaced onto the masses and their own roles neatly absolved. Despite the raging momentum of the indigenous 2008 Amarnath agitation, unnerving even the slyest of political pundits and mandarins in New Delhi, upon reaching the apex Sisyphus’s stone (predictably) rolled back down, engineering yet another false dawn.

Ironically in its aftermath what accrued was a tirade against the masses at the lowest end of the social strata who bearing another brunt of non-deliverance went out to vote in pursuit of relief from alternative quarters. It seems collective responsibility along the route to corrective introspection is an intellectual anathema to our leadership  -  Mea (non) Culpa :  I’m never to blame.

For the inspiring sentiment central to a movement to remain relevant and not fizzle into some abstract grand Weltanshaung what is needed is social security mechanisms to sustain the movement over a greater period of time. Security nets such as providing vocational training to the widows, scholarships for orphans, healthcare and employment opportunities including capacity building and career counseling for the maimed and martyr’s heirs and other community services such as improved sanitation, co-operative projects, agricultural subsidy etc serve as a means of maintaining the sentiment and prolonging the zeal and identification with the cause. This being an intrinsic facet of all freedom movements including HAMAS and IRA. However in Kashmir, if at all it is conspicuous by its absence where once a martyr lays his life his family is relegated to oblivion.  Ironically often it is the very state which inflicted the loss that ultimately ends up handing out doles to the surviving heirs, somewhere wearing down their sense of self-respect and emotional affinity to the cause. The absence and dire need of such social security networks has allowed various humanitarian and aid agencies to move in and fill the void and along the way (at times) cultivate a paradigm detrimental to that of the prevailing sentiment.   Beyond the cosmetics and “manageable” protests thousands still lavish in various prisons across India for lack of legal aid, orphaned dropouts gravitate to drugs and social ills and lack of opportunities have given rise to societal evils completely mutating the traditional social fabric.  As our leaders court convenient house arrests and police detention failing to lead from the front, a precedent replete in our Islamic history, cannibalism rules the streets preying on young lives ruthlessly spent. Invoking the Indian freedom struggle the leaders ignorantly overlook the dedication and commitment of its torchbearers such as Jinnah, Gandhi or Nehru. In contrast the material windfall, social climbing and flourishing kin and kith of our leadership would prove classic case studies for the phenomenon of conflict economies.

Increasingly becoming an ugly extension of the regional “Great Game” violence in Kashmir has reached new decibels.  As the US prepares for a face-saving troops withdrawal from Afghanistan in the aftermath of its recent “surge” gambit, neighbouring states have accelerated the contest for a foothold in the region. In regards to Kashmir Pakistan realises that once the US exits the region its focus too will go and hence some agreement on Kashmir is imperative before it leaves. A  Kashmir on the boil will thus provide greater impetus for pressure on India to come to the negotiations table. India too has multi-pronged interests in keeping Kashmir on the edge. Increased radicalism in the form of violence helps in depicting the issue as a continuation of the larger Islamist agenda. It also allows for keeping the Army out of the barracks and notorious laws such as the AFSPA in place. India very well realises that there is a genuine sentiment in Kashmir (which does not particularly subscribe to accession with Pakistan) and if left off guard could conflagrate into “unmanageable” proportions.  Thirdly, intensified violence in Kashmir allows India to deflect pressure back on Pakistan as instigating and perpetrating the violence/terrorism and reduce its own accountability. Lastly “Influencing” the situation on the ground also enables India to manage internal administrative dynamics. Unfortunately for the Kashmiris as the regional proxy war unfolds in the by lanes of Kashmir they are delegated to the role of cheap fodder requisite to keep the larger design in place. What is intriguing is the faceless pawns we’ve allowed ourselves to become and willing colluders in defying our own destiny.

There needs to be put an end to this insidious arc of rage and respite manifesting in continuous   precision. What is needed is institutionalising a result-oriented, well calculated and proactive strategy keeping in mind both local and larger facets and long-term implications. Each one of us will have to stand up and accept our responsibility. We need to guard against the desecration of our identity, our motherland - our very being.  Moving beyond the contestations for hallowed proto-martyr (living martyr) status the need of the hour is to lead from the front. We have far too long been silent bystanders at times active facilitators of the outrages committed against our own people, across the board.  They say they act in “national interest “can we claim the same? As I wrap up this piece, a catharsis of sorts, resonating in my mind are the following lines:

 Meri  basti  sey  parey  bhi  merey  dushman  hongey
 Par merey  seenay  par kab koi aghyar ka lashkar utra
               Aashna hath they meray janab lapkay
              Merey seeney par mera apna hi khanjar utra.
                          (Ahmed Faraz)

Lastupdate on : Sat, 3 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 3 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST