Ravi Nitesh
It is reported that nearly all 110 victim families accepted the compensation given by centre in spite of the opposition from separatists. The news is in air now, with a suspicion and some media groups tried to show this news, as they (victim families) did a sin.
I can't understand what the problem is if they have accepted. Does it matter that by accepting a grant proves that they are with government? Or they are in doubt with their morality and principles? Surely not! Though it doesn't mean that they will support against government but it is sure that in media, the government and bureaucracy are still unable to understand real problems, real people and their emotions. We can have clues about every stakeholder that how they are getting benefit by playing with emotions and need of Kashmiris. Why the common poor people become soft targets? Why don't they really get what they want? I am sure they are neither with government nor with separatist because they don't have time to argue on this matter. There are various other priorities in their life; it may be from a small thing like a piece of cloth, the marriage of sons and daughter, to earn livelihood, to educate their kids and realise to their dreams. They don't want to ruin their life. Their common dream is peace, development and happiness, and they have right to have it. Accepting compensation is fine as per their need and right and its acceptance can never stop them to oppose or to raise voice against any authority. If they are not happy, they are free to express their claims.
I hope that every stakeholder in Kashmir issue can understand the problem that money will not bring back the lives of anyone however it is only a small support to compensate the economic loss. Every life is important regardless its character and hence maintaining peace by spreading mutual understanding and love among all should be top priority of all of them.
I hope media too will change its attitude to show the real situation and problems there.
Author is a Petroleum Engineer, social activist, blogger and writer; he can be mailed at ravinitesh@gmail.com
(Published in Rising Kashmir dated 08 MARCH 2011)
