Palestine: In solidarity

Irtif Lone

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Palestine,

I am writing to you with a sense of shame.  For last week and so, I have wanted to write to you but to gather the courage of doing so does not come easily. The fact that my words might not bring even an iota of solace to your bruised hearts and souls, I preferred silence.  But this silence was only external and not internal. I have been burning in state of anguish, agony and grief, since. But then, before I write, I must apologise for not being of any help that would end your miseries, except that I share your pain and grief. And if it makes any difference I would tell you, sharing of this pain and grief comes from a place which is suffering at the hands of conflict as well.

I write to you from Kashmir, a Muslim majority place which has been divided by a line of control between India and Pakistan. I am from the part which is presently under the control of Indian state. Also, that the part which I come from has seen the violence of extreme conditions, to which we have lost thousands of young boys. The only reason, I am telling you all this is for you to be informed that Kashmir is fighting for the justice to prevail, like you. And, also I tell you this to put some weight behind my words, that I share your pain and grief.

Social networking sites have been buzzing with condemnation against your tyrants and Kashmir is not behind. Kashmir seems to have forgotten its own pain and agony and have been vehemently protesting against the atrocities committed by your occupiers. One, major reason is that Kashmir has itself been going through these agonizing times.  The protests were gaining such momentum that the government had to announce summer holidays for Schools, Colleges and Universities to put restrain to the protests, which show solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Palestine. Looking at the prevailing circumstances in Kashmir, the Israel government had to put an advisory to its citizens against making visits to Kashmir.

I would also like to tell you, that Kashmir has always drawn inspiration and courage from you and your struggle. In three consecutive years from 2008 to 2010, hundreds of young boys were killed. Their only offense was that they had stone in their hand. And, not to forget to mention couple of areas in our state were named Gaza strip as well. If you were to walk within the interiors of the city you will find thousands of walls painted “Freedom for Palestine”.

But the irony of situation is that the party running the government in our state took to streets protesting against your tyrants. But forgot about their own state where hundreds of young boys were killed and thousands are languishing in jails, only because they protested and sought justice. But, when Indian Parliament rejected and did not pass a resolution on the atrocities committed by Israel, people in Kashmir rejoiced. After all, how could one oppressor condemn the other oppressor? I am sure you would have not wished otherwise.

Well, I know my words cannot heal your wounds but to tell you, people in Kashmir share your pain and grief. And at the same time draw courage from you.

In solidarity,

Kashmir!