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New Delhi:
Some intellectuals in Kashmir believe that all parties-the
separatist as well as those in the mainstream-need to come together
and facilitate the return of peace.
Daughter of former People's Conference chief late Abdul Ghani Lone,
Ms. Shabnam Lone, has made an appeal to all groups to come together.
In an interview to Power Politics, Ms. Lone, a well-known Supreme
Court lawyer, said she has always believed that "Kashmir is for all
Kashmiris and none should be discriminated here on the grounds of
caste, creed and religion."
Talking about the ongoing violent protests and repeated failure to
ensure peace at all levels, Ms. Lone said: "At present, there is raw
anger in the youngsters about human rights violation in the state.
There is rampant corruption here. It has created a big chasm between
the people and the government. There are a number of NGOs in the
state. But they have failed to come up to the expectation of the
people."
"The Kashmir State is being generously allotted funds from Delhi.
Where does the money go? So youngsters have, of late, picked up
stones. These are the stones of anger. They have no jobs. Some
people or groups may have been paid for it. But thousands of people
who join them are not paid. Everybody is not paid," Ms. Lone added.
She says the basic issue should now be addressed. A proper dialogue
among different parties is necessary.
"Every Kashmiri has a stake in peace
and progress. Kashmir cannot remain in a political conflict forever.
Why should generation after generation suffer in Kashmir?," Ms. Lone
asks.
Lone observes that it is a very
difficult time for Kashmir. Everyday people are dying and these
deaths signify disaster. That has made even the most apolitical
person ready to join the mob.
Ms. Lone says that she has always believed that the Kashmir fabric
is pluralist and secular. "We, Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims and all,
have co-existed here for generations. The valley is of Sufis and
Saints, of Sharda Peeth (highest seat of learning) .... But we have
lost our glorious past."
"People have a sense of insecurity. I wish all parties, the
separatist as well as the mainstream, come together and let an
atmosphere of peace prevails in Kashmir," said Ms. Lone, and added
that the report that she had quit politics is incorrect.
(ANI)
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