End of ‘unrealistic expectations’ in Kashmir | Dinalpi | Aug 19 2020
See how he changed his tune
That's what we had to deal with for the last couple of decades. Manufactured frustration. Self inflicted due to bad policy
Reality!
The Kashmir Valley is once again at crossroads. Ever since the repeal of Article 370 and 35 (A), there is an uneasy calm in Kashmir, disturbed only by the occasional bursts of terrorist violence. These terrorist-related incidents have also seen a decline in the last one year.
But most importantly, even after a year of the repeal of Article 370 and 35 (A), there has been no sight of the much-anticipated, “Sailaab”, or ‘mass civilian protests’ by Kashmiris. The deafening silence of the common man on the streets of Kashmir was initially attributed to the internet clampdown and also due to the arrests of the local political leaders. It was widely perceived that once the internet clampdown was lifted and the political prisoners released, Kashmir would “burn”.
But even after lifting of internet ban and release of most of the political leaders, Kashmir continues to remain calm. This ‘studied silence’ of Kashmiri awaam is ironically giving a loud and clear message to the entire world and that is, they “do not want to be led down the garden path anymore”.
But most importantly, even after a year of the repeal of Article 370 and 35 (A), there has been no sight of the much-anticipated, “Sailaab”, or ‘mass civilian protests’ by Kashmiris. The deafening silence of the common man on the streets of Kashmir was initially attributed to the internet clampdown and also due to the arrests of the local political leaders. It was widely perceived that once the internet clampdown was lifted and the political prisoners released, Kashmir would “burn”.
But even after lifting of internet ban and release of most of the political leaders, Kashmir continues to remain calm. This ‘studied silence’ of Kashmiri awaam is ironically giving a loud and clear message to the entire world and that is, they “do not want to be led down the garden path anymore”.
Shah Faesal, the first IAS topper from Kashmir Valley, was once the beacon of hope for many Kashmiri youths.
However, he later transformed himself into a ‘manufactured symbol’ of Kashmiri frustration.
He resigned from the IAS in protest and had plunged himself into political activities. But after a year post the repeal of Article 370 and 35(A), he now acknowledges that the ground realities are different. In an interview to The Indian Express a few days back, Shah Faesal said, “In the last one year due to some of my problematic utterances, a perception was built that I am an anti-national… due to some of my statements, I let down a lot of people who had immense goodwill for me. I want to undo that”. He further said that, “I did not want to lead Kashmiris down the garden path and raise unrealistic expectations”.
However, he later transformed himself into a ‘manufactured symbol’ of Kashmiri frustration.
He resigned from the IAS in protest and had plunged himself into political activities. But after a year post the repeal of Article 370 and 35(A), he now acknowledges that the ground realities are different. In an interview to The Indian Express a few days back, Shah Faesal said, “In the last one year due to some of my problematic utterances, a perception was built that I am an anti-national… due to some of my statements, I let down a lot of people who had immense goodwill for me. I want to undo that”. He further said that, “I did not want to lead Kashmiris down the garden path and raise unrealistic expectations”.
Faesal said detention proved to be an “immense learning phase”. “I realised that at the end of the day you are all alone. It’s your family that suffers the most while ironically those for whom you seem to be standing up are drawing a sadistic pleasure out of your misery. Detention gave me the clarity of mind that I belong somewhere else. That I can’t destroy my life for those who won’t even cry for me,” he said.
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