For the past three months we have been witnessing the killing of innocent Kashmiris, use of brutal force against them, illegal detention of thousands of youth and the custodial torture which is turning youth either dead or handicapped for life. We have experienced the worst human rights violations. Kashmiris are being slaughtered. There were protests, clashes, people came on streets, blood banks were arranged for injured, lungers were organized, fragrance of unity and brotherhood filled the air. Everyone was showing solidarity with the bereaved but why has the whole scenario changed on Eid? Why Kashmiris forgot everything and started making preparations for Eid as if nothing has happened? Why markets are abuzz and people are mad after purchasing things? Why the spirit and sense of oneness lost its charm? Why Kashmiris cannot remain on one stand? Eid no doubt means celebration but when the atmosphere is filled with grief, how can we celebrate Eid? Our leaders have asked people to celebrate Eid with austerity but people are giving a deaf ear to them. Why? In my humble opinion this was the right time to show the world that we stand united and by giving up the celebrations we could have shown the spirit of cooperation, brotherhood, value for human lives and sympathy with the bereaved families. This step could have given a boast to our ongoing struggle.

Iram Rafiq
Rajbagh, Srinagar
iram_rafiq@rediffmail.com

Lastupdate on : Tue, 7 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 7 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 8 Sep 2010 00:00:00 IST