In search of self

Kashmir’s current political existence has been shaped by external forces and internal betrayals over the last many decades. It has endured violence, uncertainty, and immense human and material loss. This is neither the doing nor the result of inherent aggression in its people, nor a reflection of their collective will. Instead, it is a tale spun by external forces and political betrayals, both within and outside the region, leaving the people of Kashmir in a permanent state of turmoil, uncertainty, grappling with a generational identity crisis, confusion and hopelessness.

Their dreams, aspirations and cultural identity have been hammered in the crossfire of global politics, regional interests, vendettas as well as the political discourse. The people of Kashmir find themselves at the centre of this struggle, and are the victims of the decisions made in distant capitals and Kashmiris had a very little role in this decision-making process.

The Kashmir issue is rooted in the painful partition of British India that left behind a large population with divided loyalties. The internationalization of Kashmir issue further complicated the matter. The so-called emancipated west and champions of human liberty, during the Cold War, often viewed Kashmir through a lens of strategic importance rather than human suffering. The rise of militancy in Kashmir in late 1980s was not an organic movement. It was a consequence of external powers funnelling weapons, funds, and ideology into the region. Pakistan’s backing of militant groups, under the guise of supporting “freedom fighters,” and India’s heavy-handed response to the insurgency created a vicious cycle of violence that continues to this day behaving like global warming with a very unpredictable weather pattern.

The beautiful peace-loving Kashmiris known world over for their tolerance, culture and harmonious existence were torn between religious polarisation, political disillusionment, and societal fragmentation. The brutal suppression of dissent, frequent shutdowns, mass disappearances, and human rights violations have left scars on the collective psyche of the Kashmiri people. One of the most tragic outcomes of the prolonged conflict has been the generational identity crisis fostered among Kashmir’s youth. Their identity, which should have been rooted in their rich cultural heritage and history, has instead been shaped by decades of violence, instability, and political manipulation. Kashmiris find themselves caught between the competing narratives of Indian nationalism and Pakistani support. Each side claims them as part of their identity, but neither has allowed the space for Kashmiris to define themselves. The region’s youth, many of whom should be enjoying the fruits of modern education and global opportunities, find themselves growing up with the trauma of violence and a confused understanding of their own identity. Families have been torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and a whole generation robbed of a future free from violence. We live in times where the moral compass of many has shifted, focused on personal gains and convenient truths disregarding the core of these principals. Those who once stood for justice, human dignity and freedom have fallen prey to the lure of influence, convenience and self-preservation offering explanations that mask reality rather than reveal it.

Yet, amidst the chaos, the resilience of the Kashmiri people stands as a testament to their strength. They yearn for peace and their desire to reclaim their cultural and political identity is driven by a deep-rooted sense of belonging to their land. Kashmiris want to chart their own course, and reclaim their place in history as a people with a rich cultural past, not as subjects of a conflict. They have reflected this mind set through the recently held elections and its outcome.

This new political reality must generate new political action map. As the valley continues its quest for peace, one thing remains clear: Kashmir is a living, breathing entity filled with people whose lives and identities have been shaped by the turbulent past. They are neither victims of their own making nor products of some preordained destiny. Rather, they are casualties of external interference and internal betrayal, striving to reclaim a future that is rightfully theirs.

The National Conference in its current dispensation needs to hold mirror test to see both a friend and a foe in the mirror, leaving no space for falsehood. They need to promote meritocracy and weed out corruption and patronisation. They need to build a credible political narrative that was conveyed through the electorate using silence as a medium of communication. With the abrogation of article 370 it is claimed we are seamlessly merged with the rest of the country then it is incumbent on both state and central government that we Kashmiris must enjoy the same privileges enjoyed by the rest of the country. Well begun is half done we have seen Omar Abdullah setting the tone right, my humble plea will be to develop institutional accountability to its highest standards rather making bureaucracy the face of this accountability process.

Dr. Farooq Wasil, a published author, an educationist and Founding Director of Thinksite Services Private Limited. He has over four decades of experience in the field of Education Management—setting up, operating and managing schools.