Monday, July 11, 2011

Million lies do not make a truth...

Panchayat polls in Kashmir: Yes, we did - is the title of the an article first written by a retired Lt Col of the Indian Army who has served in J&K on multiple occasions. He is presently pursuing a Masters degree programme in International Security Policy Studies at George Washington University, Washington DC.

Click the link below to view the article
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/panchayat-polls-in-kashmir-yes-we-did/166663-61.html



The above is written by a military officer who served in the valley. He might have his own understanding and definition of Peace and Participation in the Valley. He might be correct, as a man with Kalashnikov seldom gets people disagreeing with his views. And if the Kalashnikov is backed by Special Power act then disagreement becomes rare.

As a common Indian citizen I have visited the valley a few times, have several Kashmiri friends and relatives. I have never met a single Kashmiri who has ever voted or wishes to participate in Indian establishment organised elections. It indeed does not sound pleasant but it is a hard fact of the valley.

I met one Election officer in Delhi, who has been the part of the elections in J&K for more than a decade. He said it is military which threatens people to vote. He told me that he once saw only women coming to vote, after inquiring he came to know that the army went their houses and told the women to vote otherwise they will kill male members of the family. After the women returned they send the men.

In another incident he said that one old man was requesting him to give some ink to him, he asked why he needs it as he has already voted. After asking for several times he came to know that military will visit their houses in the evening to check if they voted or not. He said his son is ill and could not come to vote, so he will place the ink on the index finger to save his life. These are only a few of the hundred such incidents that goes unreported or the voices are suppressed. Apart from this there are various cases of rigged elections and other malpractices.

I also wish that Kashmir shall stay with India but not with force. If we feel that Kashmir is an integral part of India then we shall also provide a fare and just system in the valley. So that Kashmiris can some day vote freely and elect government that represents all the sections of the state.