More than a year ago, I wrote a cover story stating, why not azaadi for Kashmir? I argued why keeping unwilling Kashmiris as a part of India was a drain on resources and our moral authority
More than a year ago, I wrote a cover story stating, why not azaadi for Kashmir? I argued why keeping unwilling Kashmiris as a part of India was a drain on resources and our moral authority.
I have many Kashmiris and Muslims working with me. Many are linked up with me onu00a0 Facebook. Mostly anti-India, they write stories and post videos that will make anyone hate India. They themselves almost hate India, and they want azaadi for Kashmir. When I read their posts, two things cross my mind. Firstly, are they potential terrorists? The answer is no. They're educated people and free to speak their minds. Secondly, I wonder at how Facebook has become an open forum to spread hatred.u00a0
u00a0My blood boils when I read their anti-India comments. But while I can vouch that my students are nice people, I can't for their friends ufffd anti-Indian, and openly spreading hatred for India amongst Indian Muslims.
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Coming back to azaadi for Kashmir, I say, why not. Keeping people bound to a nation under gunpoint is meaningless. But an azaad Kashmir must pledge to take back Kashmiri Pandits and allow them full freedom of religion; pledge similar freedom to other minorities; and to remain a secular republic. But will it keep its pledges?
Within 48 hours of such independence, Kashmir may become a part of Pakistan. Soon after, China would move in. So what does India do?
Politically, the Congress can't waffle and let anarchy prevail. It's sad to see our liberal and so-called secular intellectuals bend over backwards to be politically correct even when faced with dangers of hardline Islam. If someone from the Hindu or Christian community is a bigot, we never hesitate to denounce such an individual openly. Why do we then hesitate to denounce a Muslim bigot? Why can't we tell radical Muslims ufffd just as we tell radical Hindus ufffd that their ideology and vision is simply not acceptable to India? That the oppressive sharia is as unacceptable as parts of the Manu code of the Hindus? It's time the government clarified its stance to Indians who are finding it weak at this point of time.
During the Shah Bano case, we saw the dramatic growth of BJP from two to 85 seats to even majority, as the nation clearly saw the government's attempt to overrule the SC verdict as an illogical appeasement of the Muslims. The current happenings can possibly give Indians a similar feel. And if the Congress doesn't act decisively, this could be the opportunity that BJP might have been waiting for. BJP's Ram Janmabhoomi plank might be dead, but its 'non appeasement of Muslims' plank is very much alive. Masses are also getting enlightened today. They are on the same Facebook.
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