Games and Players..

Kashmir's burning and for a change it's national news again. Unfortunately this time the controversy sure is going to have serious ramifications within the country and CAN see a further polarisation of the two religions. All thanks to the pesky Amarnath Controversy.

Before I'd delve on my opinion on the controversy itself, I'd want to talk about the talk show I watched on NDTV 24X7 yesterday night (hosted by Barkha Dutt and which saw participation of Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, Mirwaiz Omar Farookh, Saifuddin Soz, Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Prof Sadhu). Some of the REAL moments of the show include:

1. Mehbooba Mufti referring to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi as the Prime Minister of the Country. And, her 'my father, my father' utterances. Sheer nonsense.

2. Omar Abdullah raving and ranting against Rudy and his party and ticking off that the National Conference or Kashmir need not learn tolerence from a party that created the Ayodhya disaster. But, where were Omar Abdullah's senses when he was happily a Minister of State for Foreign Affairs under Mr. Vajpayee? Grazing the grass in his lush golf course?

3. Mirwaiz Omar Farookh admitting that there's concern among people that there's a larger plan by India (and Indians) to change the demographics of Kashmir! Incredulous also since the Separatists (the Mirwaiz being one of them) have categorically told that the stir in Srinagar will continue UNTIL the land is NOT denotified again. Who created this feeling among the Kashmiris? Was it not done by the Separatists?

4. Rajiv Pratap Rudy tried his best to look anguished and every possible thing. "Oh, how Hindus are being persecuted in this country and Kashmir is no exception" seemed to be his stance.

5. Saifuddin Soz seemed more bothered about how to save the Congress government's ass in Kashmir than resolving the controversy.

6. Prof Sadhu of Jammu University (and a Kashmiri Pandit) seemed to be the ONLY sensible voice among all the debating parties. And, as Sadhu pointed out, the issue should have been debated by the public and NOT politicians. It also was made very evident that each political party is playing these divisive cards because it's election time now

I have always had a deep sympathy for the Kashmiris who have been fighting the cause of their independence. It's not that I am anti-Hindu or anti-India. Neither. But, it's what an ordinary Kashmiri wants. My opinion on this was influenced largely by my interaction with my (erstwhile) Kashmiri students and (later during my service, with) the army officers. However, these latest round of protests surely made me question if my sympathies were in the right place.

One, the protesters attacked the yatris. Two, slogans in support of Pakistan rent the air (all shown on TV). Three, intolerence seemed to be the buzzword of the protesters (and the instigators), regardless of what they said to the media.

In all, the political parties (including Congress) seem to be giving the next elections away to the BJP on a platter. And, the Kashmiri Muslims are helping their cause now. The Party has got a new religious issue that can be flogged to generate votes, come September (I think the general elections would be declared by then).

(I wanted to call this 'Games Politicians Play' but have stayed clear of it)