Author: Mranalini Nanivadekar
Publication: Mumbai Tarun Bharat
(Marathi daily - Translation)
Date: September 19, 2002
The inert atmosphere is now charged
with enthusiasm. The guns of Security forces was patrolling the roads
without any people. Now their sharp lookout (Karare Nigahe) are watching
the propaganda vehicles speeding on the roads (with banners, slogans etc).
The shops selling Kashmiri articles are yet having frigid turnover.
But now at least they have some subject to discuss. The impossibility
of Kashmir's return to normalcy has now changed into a possibility. Thousands
of unemployed youth are rejoicing on having their throat dry by shouting
slogans. People from all parties have now started using the language "
Ballot will reply to Bullet".
With the figures of voting in the
first phase pouring in, the reaction being expressed in this city is that
now it is proved that people desire change. Jammu is away from the happenings
in the valley, but concern was being expressed over the small percentage
of voting in Baramullah but on the huge percentage of voting in the restless
areas like Koopowara, Kargil etc. cheered the Jammu people to no end.
Salim is an ordinary Riksha operator
in Jammu. He was telling, "In my young days, I was witnessing our
everyday prospering business; now days and days pass in waiting for hire."
The rich trading community from the Purani Mandi sitting in the shop of
Annan Gundecha was expressing the same feelings. "Azadi kis cheeska
naam hai, hum jaanate nahi, hame to rozi roti chahiye" (We do not know
what is Azadi, we just want our bread and butter). These words spoke
volumes.
People are angry over the governance
over the last many years. Central Government or State Government,
nobody has thought of the problems staring at the Kashmiri people.
That is their general feeling. In Jammu and Kashmir, there is no employment,
electricity, roads, and there is no money in Government treasury. People's
sentiment is "Now, change all this". Is this sentiment token of mandate
against the current National Conference ? Although the journalists' answer
is in positive, the fresh face of National Conference, Omar Abdullah does
not agree. Omar who had returned from Srinagar was speaking to 'Mumbai
Tarun Bharat', "The only party which has state-wide recognition is National
Conference. It is definite that the huge turnout to our meetings
indicates the mandate that people accords us. When our party came
to power in 1996, the voting percentage was 1996." Of course, it
is now being said that those figures were false and deceptive. But it is
clear that people have got disgusted with the Papi (Sinning) Farooq and
hence Beta (Son) Omar has been brought forward. However, in the changed
circumstances, huge crowds are turning out for the processions and meetings.
The Kashmiris who have been called
inerts, are attending the meetings. Central Minister Sushama Swaraj's meetings
were huge, but the meetings of the Congress leader Ambika Soni were also
large ones. The meetings of the Shivsena leaders who have stepped
in the ring for the first time, are also getting considerable attendance.
Crowds, slogans, flags and speeding vehicles other than that of security
forces, are the subjects of discussions all around. Jammu away from the
valley is today partaking the joy of elections just like any other parts
of India. Chief Offices of parties are joyous over the news from
various places.
Do not go for voting - Hurriyat's
propaganda
Hurriyat is restless due the voting
that has taken place in the valley. Now its organisation is going to canvass
from door to door telling people not to vote. But, the administration,
now happy over the response in valley has undertaken the campaign of targeting
terrorists. Yesterday, 6 terrorists were shot in Doda-Rajouri area.
Of course, the terrorists have proved their aggressiveness by attacking
the Congress Office in Srinagar. But the Kashmiri people refusing to obey
the boycott appeal of Hurriyat are giving respite to the Central Government.
International community is also expressing satisfaction.
