Violent movements in the name of religion have been a growing global menace and needs to be curbed and dealt with firmly. The fact of the matter is that the youth of Kashmir blame security forces, but they never question the top leaders of separatists groups who do a lot of instigating.
Throughout July, the gunning down of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani by security forces has resulted in mass resentment and protests by the Kashmiris in the valley. The ongoing clashes between the protesters and security forces have resulted in the deaths of Wani’s supporters and a few casualties of security forces, too. Wani was an area-commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, a terrorist outfit operating in Kashmir. He was the most wanted terrorist responsible for several killings of security personnel, as well as of some other innocent people of Kashmir.
The young people of Kashmir need to ask the leaders why their own daughters and sons are living comfortable lives either abroad or elsewhere, while men in the valley are waging a war without fully understanding why they picked up the guns. No one asks these smart, old and top separatist leaders why Wani was not from their family? These leaders feed and earn a reputation on the blood of these innocent young men. They send these young Kashmiris to face the Indian army, keeping themselves well protected. What sort of a war is this where lambs are sent to fight lions? The Kashmiris, more specifically the youth, should understand the ploy of these selfish and self-seeking leaders and merge with the mainstream social order of Kashmiri society, which is known for its tolerance, fraternity and compassion all over.
- The reader is a public servant based in Rajasthan, India.
