A Rosebed of Threats
Considering an annual vacation in Kashmir is like proclaiming, ‘We are a brave family’. In the last twenty years, this cultural milieu has become a battleground for power and religion. The foundation was laid way back in 1947, but it was the terrorism of the 80’s which rendered this lively place lifeless. Tourism prospects hence have collapsed.
In the last five years, peace has been reinstated, but Pakistan and more recently the Taliban are potent threats. With the random militant attacks and rallies of the past years, Kashmir is now a web of army dominance. But this valley is under threat- not only from terrorists and politicians, bombs or militancy, but from the most powerful weapon of the nation: the media.
A land so pure, it has been the nation's haven for the last century- a place where happiness like natural beauty has always been seen and appreciated. But today, it is regarded as a land so lethal, that its impact can destroy the complete South East Asia.
A short holiday of seven days has been able to fill the gaps, doubts, and misgivings of my seventeen years. Poverty driven, this is a state which would make the Communists’ happy for its economic equality; the living is uniform as the wealth is close to null. When you meet a Kashmiri, you don’t see the multi colored roses or ever-flowing rivers of their land, you see in their eyes a hunger for acceptance. A hunger urging change, peace, and secularism. Their voices seem to cajole politicians into changing their poor state of being.
The Srinagar we know today, is like its trademark- the Dal, it needs to be cleaned of its weeds, which ever so decisively are killing it. And this weed is primarily the press, which sis lightly but definitely paving a road for DISASTER.
For the past twenty years’, people have left, abandoned and run away from a land which gave them livelihood, but later became a source of hurt and death. Families have lost men and women alike to rape, murder, and a terrorist attack which has lasted long enough. Terrorism is a word hated most by the Kashmiris’. For they are the ones who have faced its consequences maximum.
As you walk downtown, you are watched. By the gunned army personnel, their fast weapons, their grim expressions, and their piercing eyes which seem to explore your intentions and motive. But it is the locals who seem to appreciate your visit the most. They seem to love you loving their beautiful city. For them, it is the greatest gift. As it is a feeling of being normal and accepted.
Even though the streets are lined with gunmen, the atmosphere is relaxing, and Srinagar is a compelling place. The serene Dal, and the huge mountains are still the characteristics of a Heaven on Earth.
It is not instinctive to blame the media. After all, it’s the only source which connects all of us. However as you see through the eyes of a local, you begin to detest them. Not for their honesty, but for the blatant exaggeration of a peaceful state. Peaceful rallies on the streets of Srinagar by the opposition are referred to as gruesome riots in the national newspapers. A small photograph of a burning man on the side of a newspaper can wipe out your faith in the place's sanctity. It is the endless speculation that drives you away. But once you are here, nothing seems prettier, or more peaceful.
I considered myself as safe walking the streets of Srinagar as that of New Delhi.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 9, 2008
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