“You want to say something else?” The boss tried to encourage Ishfaq.
“Well sir…..” Ishfaq cleared his throat and said- “We are killing policemen, SPOs, sarpanches, teachers, politicians, migrant labourers etc because these people represent normalcy in Kashmir. We also engineer grenade blasts in crowded markets to create terror…..”
The boss nodded in acknowledgement and waited for Ishfaq’s next statement.
“The main stream politicians, separatists, intelligentsia and our paid social media warriors…all maintain silence on these activities to our advantage but the recent phenomenon of public anger is alarming.”
“Go ahead Ishfaq.” The boss was listening intently.
“Sir, the massive outrage on the recent killings of the SPO and his brother must be taken seriously. The huge crowd that gathered to mourn the deaths is indicative of the profound anger of Kashmiris against killings of innocents. People are openly condemning Pakistan sponsored terrorism.”
“So, should we slow down these activities?” The boss asked.
“Well sir that is your decision but in addition to what I said, I must bring out that the trend of the peace marches and candle light vigils is significant. In one such event, Pakistani flag was burnt; this is unprecedented sir,” Ishfaq said somberly.
“Hmmm” The boss took cognizance of the input. He then nodded his head for Ishfaq to continue.
“Sir, Kashmiris will not accept such killings now on. If I could be candid” Ishfaq waited for the required nod and continued.
“Our country is in a bad state sir. Our Afghanistan policy has backfired as Taliban has refused to listen to us. The Durand Line is volatile and the demand for reunification of Pashtun Lands is gaining momentum. On the other side, the Baloch Freedom Fighters are hammering us. The Sindhi aspirations are rising. People of Gilgit-Baltistan are demanding justice. The TTP has become emboldened by Taliban’s victory. TTP aims at establishing Sharia Law in Pakistan and has vowed to fight till the end. The women on the other hand are agitating for equal rights and conducting massive ‘Aurat Marches’. We are bankrupt. The Chinese debt trap is tightening around our necks. We are paying through our nose for the huge loans we have begged for. We do not have money to run the Government. The political situation is as usual pathetic. Our international standing is poor. Our passport does not have any respect” Ishfaq stopped as he saw the boss waving his hand. Silence ensued for a few seconds and Ishfaq continued.
“All this has also affected the thinking of Kashmiris towards us. We are not able to take care of our own country and people what can we promise the Kashmiris? And on top of that, these killings have further antagonized them.” Ishfaq concluded and waited for the boss to say something.
“Ishfaq, as always, I got really candid views from you…thanks. We are indeed in a difficult situation. Our obsession with Kashmir has ruined us. But Kashmir is like a pressure valve for us. When people in our country get sick of the numerous problems we are facing, they get a solace in hearing about killings and blasts in Kashmir. In hearts of hearts we all know that we can never get Kashmir but it gives us a reason to limp ahead. We have to keep this issue alive and for that we have to kill Kashmiris there is no other way. And this Ishfaq is our catch 22 situation we have to sacrifice Kashmiris to keep the Kashmir issue alive.”
On the other side, in Kashmir, families of public servants, peace lovers, social workers and many such innocent men live in constant anxiety. They keep their mobile phones close to them all the time and constantly make calls to ensure that their loved ones are safe. They take a sigh of relief when the whole family is safely back inside the house. The trauma however continues as on every knock on the door or rustling of leaves or noise of footsteps, they fear that “unidentified gunmen” may barge in and kill their loved ones.
Unlike the separatists and big politicians whose children are studying abroad, the common Kashmiris have to persistently worry about their children going to schools or markets where Pakistani grenades could harm them.
Pakistan has no love for Kashmiris. Pakistan will keep killing Kashmiris; unless common Kashmiris raise their voice against it. Public power is supreme…it brought down the Berlin Wall!! So, hold a placard light a candle leave a message on social media get together in a peace march condemn Pakistan sponsored violence and peace will prevail.
Nafrat se aaj tak kya achha hua hai?
Chirag kisi ghar ka na bujhe yeh dua hai.
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