Our Kashmir has a unique cultural blend which makes it different from the rest of the world. Exceptional and popular for its scenic beauty throughout the globe we have reasons to be proud of it. Kashmir is a masterpiece of earth’s creation of charm and loveliness. It may sound unrealistic but there was a peace. But the peace has now been blown into pieces. And now, I have no one to claim except the Lord, my soul and body, bow to His forgiveness and beg for revival of peace. The past was very charming in our paradise, full of sweet memories. People associated with any religion lived in zeal and stood for one another. As vital members there was patriotism and love brimmed towards the State. There was less space for regrets and happy times prevailed in our State. Muslims, Pandits and Sikhs studied in the same schools, colleges; playing together; sharing meals, attending gatherings, parties, offering condolences when someone in the neighborhood died.
Alas! Evil eye ditched our paradise! The past days, yes people died, not ignoring it, because of natural reasons, not by the bullets or bombs or murder or tortures. All of a sudden, Kashmir’s serenity perished into thin air and peace didn’t last long. Peace was bombed into pieces. For the world outside, Kashmir is a treasure of beauty and natural resources but more than two decades now, our Mauj Kashmir witnessed torture, killings and huge violence. It is difficult to forget the bloodshed which has become routine of the day. Life is now different from my golden childhood days. Everything changed suddenly but I am lost in hope. I am again craving for peace. I still remember everything bright in the golden past………….
Praises to our Mauj Kashmir (Mother Kashmir), it is still tall and nourishing as a selfless mother. This scary tale for two and a half decades and our mother is surviving with all blood bath it has witnessed. The scars are deeply visible on its heart and soul. Our paradise has fallen prey to deceptions and politics rather than any genuine interest towards the humanity and the State. Rivers have blood and mystery in it, sky is showing anger and nature is troubling, crying for peace and peace before all will perish in this beautiful vale. The coming generations only will have a tale to remember. There is greater need for a revival of peace.
Going by the alarming unending crisis, the world will lose a precious asset both in beauty and resources and will leave a hallow space hard to be filled again. But this disaster should not continue for more and long. Some concrete initiatives are required towards bringing back the glory of this lovely land. The Kashmir issue continues to destroy peace and abolish the rights and aspirations of our people in Kashmir who desire only to live free, peaceful and dignified lives. Badly some good men have developed a habit of viewing Kashmir problem purely from the thin prism of economics. But such good men must know that Sustainable peace and prosperity in Kashmir is not possible unless Kashmir dispute is not resolved to the best faith and interests of people of the Jammu and Kashmir. A peaceful solution is what we need to make our present and coming generations safe and secure. Let’s wish peace and prosperity to grip us in its fold again.
(The author an Assistant Professor, ITM University Gwalior writes on issues of greater public concern exclusively for “Kashmir Horizon”. His views are personal)
