It is a good gesture to show solidarity with those who have been at the receiving end of the situation
Notwithstanding the scepticism, which has always cast a shadow over the activities of social activists from India, the ongoing visit of members of Indian Civil Society is not out of place.
The initiative was long overdue and it came after the killing of more than 60 people but better late than never. The delegation led by known Arya Samaji with former Indian Navy chief Admiral (retd) L Ramdas as a members has tried to reach out to the families who lost their dear ones to the bullets of forces and the injured who were the victims of excessive force used by CRPF and Police during past over two months. It is a good gesture to show solidarity with those who have been at the receiving end of the situation. Leaving behind the political differences, the Indian society as a whole has been callous towards the people of Kashmir who have been facing atrocities for the past 20 years. Except for announcement of ex gratia and the inquiries, which were never completed, the government’s response has always been casual. In this situation the civil society plays an important role in building the human bonds and show that humanity is not dead. Occasionally the Indian Civil Society has responded to situations in which Kashmiris saw nothing but blood being spilled on streets. But that is not enough. Crisis in Kashmir, whether in 2008 or 2010, has its roots in the political problem, which has been craving for a solution for past 63 years. So waking up only after the killings of innocents does not fulfil their responsibility. Moreover, the past record of Civil Society members or the Track II activists is not completely above board, which leads to many suspicions among the masses. We have a glaring example of Kunan Poshpora mass rape case when a team of “eminent” journalists from India bungled the report on the directions of Army, which was involved in the crime. We do not doubt the intentions of the Swami led team and would extend all the support they need to “understand” the nuances of the problem but the real challenge before them is not to fail Kashmiris by singing the tunes, which would suit one quarter or other. One would expect that the initiative is strengthened at all levels. The team is also expected to reflect the ground situation once they go back to New Delhi and enlighten the Indian masses as to what actually was happening on the ground. The true account the team heard from the victims should be enough to make an opinion. At this stage the people of India need an impartial account of situation in Kashmir, which is devoid of any theory. And this team should grab the opportunity to take the lead. It will be a service to their nation and humanity as a whole.
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