| Fire in the Valley |
Someone has said a lie told a 1000 times becomes truth. It not only becomes truth, it can lead to wars as well.
The cool climate of Jammu and Kashmir got heated up when 100 acres of land was handed over to Shri Amanrnath Shrine Board in the Valley, to provide temporary shelters and other basic amenities to Hindu pilgrims. There were protests initially as people were concerned about the environmental aspect of giving land in an area considered delicate. Seperatists fired up the masses saying it was an attempt to change the demography of the region just like in Israel.
And then began lies and politics and communalization of the issue. Kashmiris were instigated by separatists, who couldn’t do much for years as democracy had taken roots in the state. Thousands poured out on the streets asking government to cancel the land transfer.
The PDP, which passed the order itself, warned it would leave the ruling coalition if the land was not returned. The Congress led administration bowed to pressure and revoked its order, but that only emboldened the designs of those who were playing the game of opportunism.
And then Jammu became a fire-ball. Hindu groups rose against perceived bias of the Congress-PDP government. The whole issue acquired Hindu-Muslim colour as Jammu shut business transactions with Kashmir traders. This ‘economic embargo’ worsened the situation on the ground- providing ammo to the separatists, who called for crossing over LoC for bread and butter.
The ensuing protest marches led to the death of many including separatist leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz. It drummed up anti-India passions in Kashmir and the entire country watched with horror how a piece of land threatened its unity. Worse- Pakistan’s Senate passed a resolution expressing concerns over attacks on Muslims and their properties.
With elections round the corner, the Government reached a compromise deal- giving 40 acres to the SASB for the pilgrimage period only. The irony was that this is what the board was seeking in the first place.
The controversy may have died, but an old wound was reopened and the impression that the Valley was slowly returning to normalcy after years was shattered. Elections in the state, however, gave fresh hope of peace as lakhs exercised their franchise.
Why azadi is not an option»
All about Amarnath Land row»
The problem of J&K»
Ballot over Bullet»
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