SHAMELESS LEADERS

Politicians are unreliable. They often change color like chameleons. In Jammu and Kashmir, the leaders who were released after a year; whether it was pre-planned or was it like a bolt from the blue, they readily contested DDC elections. I am not against elections. We live under a democratic Constitution. Every sane person can contest elections. However, the irony is that how narrow sighted our leaders are.

In 2018, they boycotted the Panchayat and Municipality elections, citing many reasons. NC, PDP and CPI(M) were in forefront in boycotting elections. However, after seeing BJP gaining ground in every part of Jammu and Kashmir, they decided to contest the DDC elections. They are hypocrites of the first class.

For sometime now, our ears have been listening to the Gupkar Declarations. It reads that we won’t allow the Indian Government to snatch our identity. What a paradox?

I want to make something clear. First, Farooq Abdullah accepted chair for hydro-power projects. Second, Ghulam Nabi Azad introduced the Roshini Act to loot the Kashmiris. Third, Omar Abdullah killed hundreds of innocent in 2010. Fourth and last, Mehbooba Mufti also killed hundreds of youngsters in 2016, citing the killing of Burhan Wani. I vividly remember the statement of Mehbooba Mufti when she said that those who were killed, had not gone to get toffees and milk; however, they had gone to attack the forces. Moreover, she said that only 5% people are demanding freedom (Azaadi), while 95% people are peace-loving and follow them in letter and spirit.

Now, what forced them to contest DDC elections? Is that they fear BJP, which is taken as a “Hindutva” party in order to sow seeds of communalism.

BJP has an agenda since 1925. They are doing accordingly. However, Congress, NC, PDP, etc., have taken a U-turn. They do opposite to what their manifesto says. NC has not done anything good for the sake of “autonomy”. They, instead, have sold autonomy. PDP, the champion of “ Self-Rule” is not in a position to rule. They have been eroding the basis of self-rule when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was an MP. He brought AFSPA and his daughter joined hands with the BJP for a stable government. This type of hypocrisy is very difficult to find.

Now, the question arises that if any party is fulfilling its agenda, it should not be taken on heart. It is their right. We must not fear them. It should be a moment for introspection.

Secondly, our leaders have become unemployed. They don’t have those resources that they used to have when they were in office. They miss different kinds of liberties which they used to cherish. They miss the long lines of people that used to welcome them. The atmosphere, which used to build when they were in office, is missed by them. Eating different dishes is haunting them now and then. They miss journeys in SUVs. In short, they want to be there where they used to be.

Lastly, they want to fulfill the promises made to their bosses, party members and sympathizers. They have promised them jobs, lands and incentives. They cannot afford to break their trust. They are there because it is these persons who leave no stone unturned in promoting them. In this way, they contested elections.

It should be kept in mind that they have no concern for them who give them opportunity to be at the helm of affairs; they are close to some countable persons who are enough for them.

In short, Kashmiris have to think out-of-box solutions. We don’t get to hear headlines like, “CM’s son killed in an encounter with security forces”. No, this is just for a common Kashmiri. We should try to know the reality in the present circumstances.

Once, we were self-reliant. However, today, we are on the verge of begging. I want Kashmir to focus on its economy. This thinking can help our cause a lot.

Although, we have agriculture and its allied sectors, which can give employment to every Kashmiri. But where is self-reliance? Hydro electricity is our asset. Is it generating 20,000 megawatts of power? It doesn’t produce 2,000 megawatts power that is of utmost importance in winter.

We can try our level best to come up with something innovative. That is why, I want the present government to come up with the list of resources that Kashmiris have. After proper insight, come up with something tangible and healing. More importantly, we don’t need Gupkaris. Keep them in custody. They are good for nothing.

Disclaimer: An opinion piece is an article that reflects the author’s opinion about the subject. The Kashmir Pulse does not endorse the views and opinions expressed in these articles as these do not necessarily reflect our official policy or position on the issues discussed.