In the past three months of unrest in Kashmir,  70 civilians have been killed, hundreds injured and many disabled. Imagine the pain their families must be experiencing right now. Given the terror we witnessed, we have all reasons to mourn and not celebrate anything that comes our way, writes Uzma Qureshi

EID is a festival of Muslims which comes after the month of Ramadan—the month where one seeks the mercy and forgiveness of his sins. Throughout the world, Muslims wait for this occasion with great enthusiasm only to relish the joy and happiness. This occasion symbolizes brotherhood, cooperation and brings Muslims of different castes, tribes and communities together. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr differently. It is known through different names, yet the spirit of celebrating it remains same among all Muslims. Muslims from all corners gather together at their respective Masjids and greet each other. Small kids, and even youth enjoy the occasion with immense joy. The atmosphere itself depicts the whole scene.

Eid lasts for about one and a half day, but the endless happiness it provides is everlasting and the memories always rejoice us. Shall we dare to dream of such celebrations again when Kashmir is going through the turmoil? There is a horrible noise of bullets, tear gas shells everywhere. It would be too bad if we celebrate this Eid the way we would normally do. Celebrating Eid amid crisis and so many civilian killings doesn’t make any sense. We have lost youngsters to police and CRPF bullets. There are a number of families who lost their dear ones-men, women and children. So we have no reason to celebrate.

We have been suffering for long now, but now it has exceeded a limit. Everyday a killing takes place. The situation is worsening. There seems to be no end to the crisis. The men in uniform use force and power indiscriminately against the peaceful protesters. Pellet guns, which according to the experts, are used against wild animals, are being used on Kashmiris. We have lost so many youth to these pellets too.

A question arises in the mind of every Kashmiri: where is the government? Why are they watching all the mayhem as mute spectators? Where the promises they made to the people during the Assembly and Parliament elections. I myself was an avid supporter of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, as I thought he was a young and dynamic man. But he didn’t come up to the expectation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Instead of tackling the problem, the state government added fuel to the fire by imposing frequent curfews and using brute force against people. The crackdown returned to haunt people, reminding them of 1990.

People right now are living under the fear of gun. The forces have unleashed a reign of terror. They have been caged and oppressed.

This is the generation that now wants to be free of fear. I do believe we will live in peace; the question is how much pain we will have to go through to get there. The sufferings and sacrifices of Kashmiris should not go waste. It should bring the desired results. It should restore our right-the right to live freely. I drop my pen and for the time being, with moist eyes, I wish all Muslim ummah Eid-Mubarak. May this Eid bring some favorable results for the people of Jammu and Kashmir! Ameen!

(Uzma Qureshi is a student. Feedback at uzmaqureshi@rediffmail.com)

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