The only assurance that the incumbent government gave to the ailing separatist before setting him free was that he will get the space for his political activities. He had also been assured that detainees would be set free. Many of Geelani’s adversaries think, since he dominates the entire political space in Kashmir he should not have asked for it. But what the ailing octogenarian meant in plain terms was the state power should not intervene in limiting his activities.
But the system seems to be reluctant in offering the space that a conflict devastated society desperately needs. Arrests continue unabated and use of force, imposition of formal and informal curfews continue to be the main arsenal of Kashmir management.
If Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh talks about an issue that is lingering for last six decades, what is the problem in permitting people to say the same thing? But individuals manning the high position from their bunkered offices do not think it is all right. It is their contribution in not letting talk and cry that is fundamental to the crisis, Kashmir is going through for the last two months. Nobody tells them that democracy is not all about elections, which are just a start of the process.
If demand of justice from Jantar Mantar does not go against the idea of democracy in Delhi, why is it a problem in Jammu University? Some youth who wanted to have silent protest over civilian killings in Kashmir were not only denied permission but arrested! Compared to University of Kashmir that has simply been reduced to a primary school, Jammu University has remained a vibrant academic centre where all crucial things including Kashmir were discussed many a time.
For the last six weeks, authorities did not permit people to pray in the Jamia Masjid. Now it worked under threat. As Mirwaiz Umar Farooq threatened to break the curfew and hold prayers at Jamia Masjid, an unnerved government lifted the curfew and permitted prayers. There could be protests after the prayers and that has been happening since the days of Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq.
Earlier as well, the authorities foiled two marches that Geelani’s Hurriyat had called for – once to Eidgah and later to Pampore. This added to the problems. Efforts were made to take out processions but they were fired upon thus escalating the cycle of violence further.
It may not permit people out on the streets right now, but the government will have to withdraw the decision, one day. It is a must especially for societies that are gradually coming out of overwhelming situations. It may not be solution but it is a pre-requisite for healing of a society that has undergone hell in last 20 years. The delay could mean more deaths and more destruction.
