CRYSTALLISING SOCIAL CHANGE IN KASHMIR

Multiplexes come to the Valley in a move towards positive change but there are many obstacles yet to overcome

- LT GEN SYED ATA HASNAIN (RETD)

I was happy that a guest coordinator from a television channel rang me up to invite me to an evening panel discussion on prime-time television to express my opinion on the inauguration of multiplexes in the Shopian, Pulwama and Srinagar districts of the Kashmir Valley. As an old Kashmir hand and constant watcher, how could one not be happy at this development? I expressed that sentiment almost immediately after being asked and followed it up with total support to this fledgling moment when change seems so imminent where it is required most.

I never tire of stating that many years ago, I failed to elicit a response to my question about what my aim should be in Kashmir while responsible for its security. In frustration, I had evolved my aim. In a few words, it was simply-To mainstream the state of J&K to the rest the nation in the political, economic, social and psychological domains; promote everyone being Indian and to feel Indian'. I am glad I never missed the two most important words, 'social and psychological', which are so significant in today's development of the future environment.

I am also fully aware that it's a little early in this piece to introduce this issue because it robs the occasion of the intrinsic fun that the people of Kashmir deserve without being subjected to academic or strategic analysis. They have been denied, primarily by their ilk, the freedoms India offers; the ability to work hard and enjoy the fruits of one's labour.