Vikrant Nijhawan
Hope is a powerful force and probably the most important factor when its come to overcoming biggest challenges. Without it everything is a blur. They say that in certain tragic situation only mad men can keep their hope alive. But it is that little spark that eventually pulls them out from the depths of despair.
Kashmir has been through a dark era of foreign sponsored violence for last three decades and it was really hard for the state to be optimistic during the doomed times. Some ray of hope was sparked in mid of August 2019 when the so called “Special Status” of the state was abrogated and the state was all set of return to the main stream of our nation. People were quite hopeful about 2020 being the landmark year for Kashmir’s development. But they had more darkness to walk through before they enter the dawn; courtesy “COVID-19”. All across the globe life came under stalemate and India’s heaven on earth was no exception. But now when life has started normalizing and we are in the mid of year 2021, the firm resolute of Kashmir for the year 2021 is very crucial to be implemented.
When the state talks about decade’s resolution, it is very important that the people must be willing to look ahead instead of the rear view mirror, where they have been played by actors with questionable agenda and perhaps have made some questionable choices themselves. Resolution for the year 2021 needs a decent retrospection in the year 2020 which saw the kick start of many good things for the valley. The successful conduct of DDC elections, increase in the number of surrender of Militants, short life span of Militants and as a new year gift “Ayushman Bharat” scheme by the Prime Minister. While all this was going on in the valley, Pakistan increased the number of cease fire violations along the Line of Control. This was nothing but just the unrest that troubles Pakistan with the setting peace in the valley. So what should the valley be resolute about in the forthcoming year?
The most important thing that the people of Kashmir should be resolute about is the anti-national element across the country who have made it a habit to use Kashmir as a tool for their personal vendetta. In most protest Kashmir is raised as a slogan. This is a very clever and immoral design to isolate and create mistrust in the mind of a Kashmiri. The reality is that the Kashmiri people have every opportunity to voice their concerns and opinion. They don’t need the help of a faceless and treacherous set of people who are nothing but opportunist vultures.
Kashmiris should also realign themselves to the government policies and take a step back from violence. The short life span of Militants and the increase in the number of surrenders are clear indicators that the youth is brainwashed and misguided towards violence. The Indian Army is keen in promoting surrenders and reducing recruitments. According to Army ‘’A rehabilitation policy for the local youth joining violence in the Kashmir valley is in process and if approved it will make a major difference’’. Such gesture gives a clear message to the population that irrespective of the policy existing or not the Indian Army is ready to go on-board and take all measures to whip out violence instead of Militants.
The state of Kashmir should also aim to make Kashmir the next hot spot for investment. But how should this money be invested? Broadly speaking, it could be split between infrastructure and services. The former includes roads, bridges, schools, health facilities and municipal services. The latter constitutes Judicial system, banking and government services. Without such essential services, there will be no private investment following public spending. The local population should be more open to private investment and should join the league of globalization. The people have to realize that planned business approach are in their best interest.
The resolution for the new decade will be incomplete without trying to revive and globalize the rich culture of Kashmir. The culture here is influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism and later by Islam. Having passed the test of time and era, the world is ready to accept the multi-dimensional and exuberance of the Kashmiri culture. The Art and Craft, the cuisine, the costume and traditions of Kashmir is still under veils for many parts of India and the world. Its high time that in the year 2021 the culture and tradition of Kashmir is made more vocal and local for rest of the country.
With the decade comes new hope and when we hope, things are more likely to turn out the way we want them to. Why? Because we are willing to do everything it takes to make it happen. This year, the new resolution of Kashmir will steer it towards development. It should be a collective effort of all stake holders of Kashmir to make an honest effort to make Kashmir the paradise it has always been.
Views expressed in articles are Writer’s own and may not be in accord with those of *The MORN*