JK News Today Commentary
On Wednesday , Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the changes that have taken place in Kashmir since abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 . His thrust was on the vastly improved security situation in the Valley in the past over five years , in which the people have gained freedom from fear That is a statement of facts , which has stood test of time as the people are now free to move around to the places they wish to without any fear lurking in the backdrop.
Lal Chowk has emerged as an icon of journey of peace that Kashmir has travelled since August 2019 . The Home Minister referred to in the context of Janamashtami processions and hoisting of national tricolor . He said that no one can dare to disturb the Janamasthami processions , and by that he meant that peace is so overwhelming that the mischief-mongers cannot afford to breach it .
The mention of Janamashtami procession , in his remarks is not just about the processions of a particular community , but seek to convey a wider message that the minorities that had to flee the Valley in 1990 because of the fear of death and destruction at the hands of terrorists have developed a new confidence about themselves and the situation . There is no fear of getting targeted during the procession and thereafter. A typical strategy of terrorists in Kashmir has been summarily defeated .
Terrorists used to identify the faces and voices of those daring to come out in such religious processions and target them . The terrorists were opposed to such processions particularly in Lal Chowk area , from where Kashmir sends its messages to the rest of the country and world at large ,, because that challenged their control over the environment and psyche . And, how could the minority community dare to challenge their writ that was the message that kept the religious emotions in check .
All that has changed now. The Home Minister spoke about Kashmir situation , at the same time he also relayed the message to the whole of the country and beyond its boundaries that this situation has been brought about without firing even a bullet in restoring law and order. The security forces targeted the terrorists and their ecosystem . Kashmir’s Muslim majority has also drawn inspiration from the changed situation , and encouraged them to be part of the peace-time activities . They have witnessed Janamasshtami processions after long gaps and rediscovered the virtues of social and communal harmony .
Amit Shah made it a point to say that the National Tricolour is hoisted and unfurled at Lal Chowk without army’s presence or support . To the common people , it denotes that the changed situation after abrogation of Article 370 has made all the patriotic people to show their love of hoisting Tiranga at Lal Chowk without any fear or under the vigilant eyes of the armed forces. That is true, but there s something more than that.
Here Lal Chowk ‘s meaning has changed. There were times – in early 1990s – when Pakistani flags used to be put up in and around Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower in Lal Chowk and the police had tough time in removing them. And anyone attempting to hoist tricolour or even carrying the flag would get chased. The police would also not allow them to do so as the force feared Law and Orders situation in its wake .
The whole thing was wrapped in fear of terrorism and the emotions that it generated. The locals had no problem with the triolour , but what they were afraid of was fear of terrorists visiting them and asking how they allowed the Indian national flag to be seen or hoisted in their area . Lal Chowk had become a point of contest between the terror-friendly forces and the patriotic people . The things were fluid .
Today, there is no contest. All the fear and those instilling fear have vanquished . A new reality has taken place – the Indian national tricolor is all over .Tiranga Yatra and Tiranga Divas is celebrated with hundreds participating in rallies holding tricolor aloft. Here it is to be acknowledged that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Siinha and his administration played a key role in transforming the locale and messaging of Lal Chowk . He took a personal interest in this transformation .
Lal Chowk is now a symbol of peace, normalcy and unchallenged Indian supremacy in Kashmir.
