FLAG OF OUR FATHERS
The exhilaration was palpable….the goose bumps almost visible…..as this excited group of tourists talks to media on the shores of the beautiful Dal Lake.
“I came ten years back… things were different then….but today we are so happy to see our National Flag proudly fluttering everywhere…. on the airport ….roads..…on house boats…on shikaras and on the street light poles of the Boulevard Road …. the feeling of pride cannot be explained.” This young female tourist tells the media. She is merrily prompted by her equally excited friends for more things that should be said on such historical occasions. She jogs her mind for the right words and then adds a profound statement – “it appears as if the country is now ‘complete’…..united we stand and divided we fall…”
Similar feelings were expressed by other tourists also
“It is indeed a landmark change, seeing so many people carrying National Flag…the same Flag that someone said no one in Kashmir will lift if 370 was abrogated. Come to think of it, people have exhibited their choice clearly. I wish even the leaders could leave their petty fights and juvenile statements and come together.” Another tourist opines.
They are right, who could imagine that locals would organize vehicle rallies to celebrate the Republic Day… proudly waving the National Flag? But come to think of it, it is rather simple to understand. People are sick of violence, terrorism, guns, bandhs, and bad politics. They have acknowledged India’s development and respect on the international stage. At the same time, they see Pakistan as a failed country…soon to be balkanized. So Kashmiris are indicating to the world the decision that they have made.
Fine, there are people who still dream of azaadi though they do not understand the meaning of it. In their hearts, they know that it is a fallacy but their egos do not let them accept the fact. An average Kashmiri is tired of the violence. Average Kashmiris want peace and development. They have understood that the future of Kashmir lies only with India. Though they are not vociferous about it due to societal pressures and fear but have made their choice clear by becoming part of the Republic Day celebrations in large numbers.
Abdul Rashid owns a shop in Kupwara. He explains the sentiment differently.
“It gives a great feeling to see bustling markets and normalcy. Those calling for these bandhs are rich and affluent… but a bandh call sends shivers down our spines…and what have these bandhs achieved in last three decades anyway? That is why people have decided to pick up Tiranga…they are indicating their choice
“Pakistan khud tootne wala hai, hamari kya madad karega?” Mushtaq, a surrendered terrorist, now a ward member says. “During the training in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir thirty years, back I heard them say that their love for Kashmiris was deeper than the sea….but then in these thirty years they have killed lakhs of innocent Kashmiris….they cannot be trusted. That is why I hold the Tiranga today….” He waves a large national flag while sitting on top of a vehicle, which is part of the Republic Day Vehicle Rally his village has organized. These vehicles go through the snow filled roads, occasionally slipping but there is no reduction in the enthusiasm of people.
Whatever the social media critics say, they have to accept one fact….fact that this Republic Day was special…it was symbolic of the clear choice made by Kashmiris. While it may take some time before things are completely normal but the winds of change are clearly positive…… ‘mera Kashmir badal raha hai.’
Sab nikhar jaata hai jab hawaen badlav ki behti hain… Aman ki raah hi behtar hai, yeh hawayen kehti hain
