An Indian paramilitary officer stands guard during a curfew in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir: photo by Farooq Khan/EPA, 13 July 2016
An Indian paramilitary officer stands guard during a curfew in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir: photo by Farooq Khan/EPA, 13 July 2016
Tom, I live in the state that borders Kashmir and still I'm quite sure I get second-hand, fudged accounts to read. Worse, I work in the media myself, and there seems to be this uneasiness to go around when the issue of Kashmir comes up. It has such a complicated history which has been tampered and torn apart to the extent that everyone has his or her own truths to go along with. Social media has only made it worse. The people of Kashmir, I'm afraid, have no chance. The State always wins, as someone said. There are plenty of freedoms to be had, but a lot more to be killed, I guess. And the world seems in a hurry to do just that.
Tom, I live in the state that borders Kashmir and still I'm quite sure I get second-hand, fudged accounts to read. Worse, I work in the media myself, and there seems to be this uneasiness to go around when the issue of Kashmir comes up. It has such a complicated history which has been tampered and torn apart to the extent that everyone has his or her own truths to go along with. Social media has only made it worse. The people of Kashmir, I'm afraid, have no chance. The State always wins, as someone said. There are plenty of freedoms to be had, but a lot more to be killed, I guess. And the world seems in a hurry to do just that.
-- Manik Sharma, 13 July 2016
INDIA - A paramilitary officer holds stones in his hands during clash with protesters in Srinagar. By @TauseefMUSTAFA: image via Frédérique Geffard @fgeffardAFP, 10 July 2016
Kashmiri people look out from windows during a ceremony marking Martyrs’ Day at Mazar-e-Shuhada (Martyr’s graveyard) in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir. Martyrs’ day is held to pay homage to 22 civilians killed in 1931 by the troopers of the then Dogra ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, in Indian Kashmir on July 13. Every year the local government in the region observes a function to remember these martyrs by visiting their graveyard and laying flower wreaths on their graves.: photo by Farooq Khan / EPA, 13 July 2016
Farah Bashir: Motto
My grandmother and I sighed
five summers ago
at freshly fallen dew
on the front pages
of Kashmir’s broadsheets
exposing the lifeless faces
of Asiya and Neelofar
peasant girls who loved
more than their home
an ankle-deep playful stream
in which the gods of security
said the girls drowned.
I now see my grandmother
hiding behind the frail
screams of Sameer Rah
a boy who went out
to buy candy
but instead shouted
a popular slogan
my grandmother says
Tufail Mattoo
also whispers from
inside the small grave
he’s trapped in
but she says she’s puzzled
even when she’s dreaming
why she can’t recall
the familiar word.
Farah Bashir: Motto, via Kashmir Lit, Fall 2014
Mohamed Ashraf Mattoo with a photograph of his son, Tufail Mattoo. Mr. Mattoo was a 17-year-old student studying for a medical entrance exam when he was killed while inside a school playground by being struck in the head by a tear gas canister fired at close range by "security" forces. Mr. Mattoo’s death and its chaotic aftermath have laid bare Kashmir’s inner turmoil.: photo by Lynsey Addario for The New York Times, 11 June 2010
My grandmother and I sighed
five summers ago
at freshly fallen dew
on the front pages
of Kashmir’s broadsheets
exposing the lifeless faces
of Asiya and Neelofar
peasant girls who loved
more than their home
an ankle-deep playful stream
in which the gods of security
said the girls drowned.
I now see my grandmother
hiding behind the frail
screams of Sameer Rah
a boy who went out
to buy candy
but instead shouted
a popular slogan
my grandmother says
Tufail Mattoo
also whispers from
inside the small grave
he’s trapped in
but she says she’s puzzled
even when she’s dreaming
why she can’t recall
the familiar word.
Farah Bashir: Motto, via Kashmir Lit, Fall 2014
Mohamed Ashraf Mattoo with a photograph of his son, Tufail Mattoo. Mr. Mattoo was a 17-year-old student studying for a medical entrance exam when he was killed while inside a school playground by being struck in the head by a tear gas canister fired at close range by "security" forces. Mr. Mattoo’s death and its chaotic aftermath have laid bare Kashmir’s inner turmoil.: photo by Lynsey Addario for The New York Times, 11 June 2010
Mother, they're using non-lethal #pelletguns to lethal effect in #Kashmir. The world is turning #blind.: image via Rafiq Kathwari @brownpundit, 12 July 2016
Use of pellet guns that have blinded more than 50 children - reports on ground #UNForKashmir #KashmirSiege: image via Inshah Malik @InshahMalik, 10 July 2016
An x ray of a #Kashmir boy hit by pellets...This evil weapon meant for beasts should be banned. @hrw @UN: image via Wasim Khalid @WasemKhalid, 12 July 2016
11 year old at #Kashmir hosp. his card reads 'pellet injuries..damage eyes...liver and spleen grossly...' #KashmirSiege: image via najeeb mbarki @najeebmubarki, 12 July 2016
Beaten up by the security forces. They probably fear he may shout the word freedom #KashmirNow: image via Dr Rita Pal @dr_rita, 13 July 2016
I love Kashmir and its people. I will stand by them always. We all
share the same sky. It's a shame India believes it's their sky only.: tweet via Dr Rita Pal @dr_rita, 13 July 2016
Protection from the Indian occupation forces #KashmirSiege #KashmirNow: image via Dr Rita Pal @dr_rita, 13 July 2016
If I Comply Will I Still Die?
Chanel Trice holds a sign while standing on the cement median between the Eastbound and Westbound lanes of the Interstate 40 bridge over the Mississippi River. #memphis #tennessee #901 #blacklivesmatter #march #bridge: image via Brad Vest @bradvest, 10 July 2016
People bowed their heads in prayer before @realDonaldTrump spoke at an event on Tuesday: image via NYT Photo @nytimesphoto, 13 July 2016
#Brazil Illegal water pipes in the Beira Pica-Pau slum outside #Rio de Janeiro. By Lalo de Almeida @nytimesphoto: image via Photojournalism @photojournalink, 13 July 2016
A guide through the #ethics of documenting the #migrantcrisis Steele-Perkins @MagnumPhotos: image via Photojournalism @photojournalink, 13 July 2016
Nintendo shares jump 9.5 percent on Pokemon GO phenomenon: image via Reuters Top News @Reuters, 13 July 2016
Known for jokes and insults, Boris Johnson takes helm of British diplomacy: image via Reuters Top News @Reuters, 13 July 2016
MIRROR: Dear World.....Sorry #tomorrowspaperstoday: image via Neil Henderson @hendopolis, 13 July 2016
THE NATIONAL: The devil is in the detail #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers: image via Neil Henderson @hendopolis, 13 July 2016
WATCH: UK's Theresa May summoned to Buckingham Palace: image via Reuters UK @ReutersUK, 13 July 2016
WATCH: UK's Theresa May summoned to Buckingham Palace: image via Reuters UK @ReutersUK, 13 July 2016
Britain's new leader Theresa May greets Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace: image via Reuters Pictures @reuterspictures, 13 July 2016
Europe in their hands: May and Merkel draw battle lines for Brexit clash: image via Reuters Top News @Reuters, 13 July 2016
The view from @foreignoffice Philip Hammond has just left our building, looking v happy: image via Simon McDonald @SMcDonaldFCO, 13 July 2016
@BorisJohnson has just arrived @foreignoffice. Also looking very happy.: image via Simon McDonald @SMcDonaldFCO, 13 July 2016
Aiden Haas, left, and Lilli Alcala pose after being crowned Mud King and Mud Queen at the 29th annual Mud Day, in Westland, Michigan. The event, open to children 12 and younger, was at the Hines Park-Nankin Mills Area west of Detroit. Children 12 and younger were able to slosh around in the pit while participating in mud limbo, wheelbarrow races and other free activities.: photo by Carlos Osorio / AP, 12 July 2016
Aiden Haas, left, and Lilli Alcala pose after being crowned Mud King and Mud Queen at the 29th annual Mud Day, in Westland, Michigan. The event, open to children 12 and younger, was at the Hines Park-Nankin Mills Area west of Detroit. Children 12 and younger were able to slosh around in the pit while participating in mud limbo, wheelbarrow races and other free activities.: photo by Carlos Osorio / AP, 12 July 2016
Mass #K2 Overdose in New York Leaves Users Collapsed & Vomiting. At least 33 hospitalized.: image via Erowid Center @Erowid, 13 July 2016
Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron leaves through a rear entrance after a cabinet meeting at number 10 Downing Street, in central London, on Tuesday: photo by Paul Hackett/Reuters, 12 July 2016
Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron leaves through a rear entrance after a cabinet meeting at number 10 Downing Street, in central London, on Tuesday: photo by Paul Hackett/Reuters, 12 July 2016
A member of the Twelfth of July Orange Order parade is seen putting on a medal during a march through Crumlin Road in Belfast, Northern Ireland: photo by Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters, 12 July 2016
A member of the Twelfth of July Orange Order parade is seen putting on a medal during a march through Crumlin Road in Belfast, Northern Ireland: photo by Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters, 12 July 2016
A Sadhu or Hindu holy man performs yoga in a pond during the religious festival of “Kharchi Puja” at Khayerpur on the outskirts of Agartala, India: photo by Jayanta Dey/Reuters, 12 July 2016
A Sadhu or Hindu holy man performs yoga in a pond during the religious festival of “Kharchi Puja” at Khayerpur on the outskirts of Agartala, India: photo by Jayanta Dey/Reuters, 12 July 2016
A removal van loaded with cardboard boxes is inspected by police before entering Downing Street in London, England. British Prime Minister David Cameron will step aside on Wednesday after his final Prime Minister’s Questions allowing current Home Secretary Theresa May to move into 10 Downing Street: photo by Jack Taylor, 12 July 2016
A removal van loaded with cardboard boxes is inspected by police before entering Downing Street in London, England. British Prime Minister David Cameron will step aside on Wednesday after his final Prime Minister’s Questions allowing current Home Secretary Theresa May to move into 10 Downing Street: photo by Jack Taylor, 12 July 2016
A bride and groom pose for photos with a horse at the Mirim riding school on the outskirts of Pyongyang, North Korea: photo by Ed Jones/ AFP, 12 July 2016
.A bride and groom pose for photos with a horse at the Mirim riding school on the outskirts of Pyongyang, North Korea: photo by Ed Jones/ AFP, 12 July 2016
#NorthKorea A bride and groom pose for photos at the Mirim Riding school, Pyongyang I By @edwardesjones #AFP: image via AFP Photo Department @AFPPhoto, 12 July 2016
For Palestinians, raising Arabian horses is "the hobby of the poor." Photo by @berehulak: image via NYT Photo @nytimesphoto, 13 July 2016
A Maori soldier gestures as New Zealand’s soldiers march down the Champs Elysees in Paris during a rehearsal of the annual Bastille Day military parade: photo by Thomas Samson/AFP, 12 July 2016
.A Maori soldier gestures as New Zealand’s soldiers march down the Champs Elysees in Paris during a rehearsal of the annual Bastille Day military parade: photo by Thomas Samson/AFP, 12 July 2016
A Maori soldier runs down the Champs Elysees in Paris during a rehearsal of the annual Bastille Day military parade: image via AFP Photo Department @AFPphoto, 12 July 2016
People standing on the edge of the crater while watching the eruption of Mount Bromo in Probolinggo, Indonesia, on Tuesday: photo by Ari Bowo Sucipto/Antara Foto via Reuters, 12 July 2016
People standing on the edge of the crater while watching the eruption of Mount Bromo in Probolinggo, Indonesia, on Tuesday: photo by Ari Bowo Sucipto/Antara Foto via Reuters, 12 July 2016
People stand on the edge of a crater while watching the eruption of Mount Bromo in Probolinggo, Indonesia: photo by Antara Foto / Ari Bowo Sucipto / via Reuters, 12 July 2016
The shoes of Britain’s Home Secretary Theresa May as she walks past Larry the Downing Street cat as she arrives to attend a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, in London. Theresa May will become Britain’s new Prime Minister on Wednesday: photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP, 12 July 2016
The shoes of Britain’s Home Secretary Theresa May as she walks past Larry the Downing Street cat as she arrives to attend a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, in London. Theresa May will become Britain’s new Prime Minister on Wednesday: photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP, 12 July 2016
A member of the U.S. armed forces stands on the wing of an Alenia C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft, manufactured by Leonardo Finmeccanica SpA, on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2016 in Farnborough, U.K., on Monday: photo by Simon Dawson/Bloomberg, 11 July 2014
A member of the U.S. armed forces stands on the wing of an Alenia C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft, manufactured by Leonardo Finmeccanica SpA, on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2016 in Farnborough, U.K., on Monday: photo by Simon Dawson/Bloomberg, 11 July 2014
Preparations are seen ahead of British Home Secretary Theresa May launching her Conservative party leadership campaign at the IET events venue in Birmingham, England: photo by Christopher Furlong, 11 July 2016
Preparations are seen ahead of British Home Secretary Theresa May launching her Conservative party leadership campaign at the IET events venue in Birmingham, England: photo by Christopher Furlong, 11 July 2016
David Cameron's last moments at Number 10 Downing Street. Photo by @Stefan Wermuth: image via Reuters Pictures @reuterspictures, 13 July 2016
David Cameron's last moments at Number 10 Downing Street. Photo by @Stefan Wermuth: image via Reuters Pictures @reuterspictures, 13 July 2016
David Cameron's last moments at Number 10 Downing Street. Photo by @Stefan Wermuth: image via Reuters Pictures @reuterspictures, 13 July 2016
A Picador falls as his horse is being charged by a Victoriano del Rio Cortes’s bull, during the San Fermin Festival, in Pamplona, Spain: photo by Alvaro Barrientos/AP, 13 July 2016
A Picador falls as his horse is being charged by a Victoriano del Rio Cortes’s bull, during the San Fermin Festival, in Pamplona, Spain: photo by Alvaro Barrientos/AP, 13 July 2016
One man gored in leg during bull run in Pamplona: image via Reuters Top News @Reuters, 13 July 2016
A Mongolian man controls his horse during the Mongolian summer festival known as Naadam on the outskirts of Ulan Bator on Wednesday: photo by AFP, 13 July 2016
A Mongolian man controls his horse during the Mongolian summer festival known as Naadam on the outskirts of Ulan Bator on Wednesday: photo by AFP, 13 July 2016
Larry, the 10 Downing Street cat, sits on the step outside the door of number 10 Downing Street in London. British Prime Minister David Cameron is leaving his official 10 Downing Street on Wednesday to make way for Theresa May, but one resident is staying put: Larry the cat. Larry has been stalking the corridors of power since 2011, when he was brought into the prime minister’s office to handle pest control affairs.: photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP, 13 July 2016
A young Palestinian boy takes part in a military-style exercise at a summer camp organised by the Islamic Jihad Movement in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip: photo by Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters, 13 July 2016
A young Palestinian boy takes part in a military-style exercise at a summer camp organised by the Islamic Jihad Movement in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip: photo by Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters, 13 July 2016
A street vendor is seen pulling his cart packed with stuffed animals along a street in Shanghai. China’s growth slipped to a new seven-year low of 6.6 percent in the second quarter, according to a survey of economists by AFP, despite government efforts to spur activity in the world’s second-largest economy: photo by Johannes Eisele/AFP, 13 July 2016
A street vendor is seen pulling his cart packed with stuffed animals along a street in Shanghai. China’s growth slipped to a new seven-year low of 6.6 percent in the second quarter, according to a survey of economists by AFP, despite government efforts to spur activity in the world’s second-largest economy: photo by Johannes Eisele/AFP, 13 July 2016
Pedestrians pass a military propaganda poster on a street in Shanghai: photo by Johannes Eisele/AFP, 13 July 2016
Mount Bromo spews ashes into the air during a volcanic eruption in Indonesia’s East Java province. The volcano spewed a column of ash by up to 1,200 meters into the sky: photo by Bay Ismoyo/AFP, 13 July 2016
Mount Bromo spews ashes into the air during a volcanic eruption in Indonesia’s East Java province. The volcano spewed a column of ash by up to 1,200 meters into the sky: photo by Bay Ismoyo/AFP, 13 July 2016
Canadian national flag covers a soldier from Ukraine’s honour guards during a welcoming ceremony for Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Kiev, Ukraine: photo by Gleb Garanich/Reuters, 11 July 2016
.Canadian national flag covers a soldier from Ukraine’s honour guards during a welcoming ceremony for Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Kiev, Ukraine: photo by Gleb Garanich/Reuters, 11 July 2016
Syrians look at the damage in a street in the ancient Syriac Quarter of the regime-held area of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo following rocket attacks by rebels. Syrian opposition fighters launched a major assault on government-held districts of Aleppo city after the regime severed their only remaining supply route into the city.: photo by George Ourfalian/AFP, 11 July 2016
.Syrians look at the damage in a street in the ancient Syriac Quarter of the regime-held area of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo following rocket attacks by rebels. Syrian opposition fighters launched a major assault on government-held districts of Aleppo city after the regime severed their only remaining supply route into the city.: photo by George Ourfalian/AFP, 11 July 2016
A Bosnian Muslim woman, survivor of Srebrenica 1995 massacre, mourns near graves of her relatives, at the memorial cemetery in the village of Potocari, near the Bosnian town of Srebrenica: photo by Elvis Barukcic/AFP, 11 July 2016
A Bosnian Muslim woman, survivor of Srebrenica 1995 massacre, mourns near graves of her relatives, at the memorial cemetery in the village of Potocari, near the Bosnian town of Srebrenica: photo by Elvis Barukcic/AFP, 11 July 2016
This photo taken with slow exposure shows an overview of Nepalese shopping in the very old Ason market in Kathmandu, Nepal: photo by Narendra Shrestha/EPA, 11 July 2016
This photo taken with slow exposure shows an overview of Nepalese shopping in the very old Ason market in Kathmandu, Nepal: photo by Narendra Shrestha/EPA, 11 July 2016
Untitled (Pripyat, near Chernobyl, Ukraine): photo by Hogarth Ferguson, 4 July 2016
Untitled (Ukraine): photo by Hogarth Ferguson, 4 July 2016
Untitled (Ukraine): photo by Hogarth Ferguson, 4 July 2016
Untitled (Ukraine): photo by Hogarth Ferguson, 4 July 2016
With greatest respect to Manik, I don't think that everyone has their own truth,( as if to say the Truth of the occupier is as valid as anyone else's or that it is even the truth). What, exactly, is the " truth" of the occupier?
ReplyDeleteI also don't think the people of Kashmir or Palestine have no hope, no matter how bleak it looks. They will both, inshallah, gain freedom.
billoo,
ReplyDeleteOur great respect for Manik perhaps should include our gratitude for his being honourable enough to address the issue, which as he implies does not seem to be receiving much "objective" coverage where he is... as he lives and works in the occupying nation state.
"The State always wins, as someone said."
Yesterday the Republican National Committee convened its platform-writing committee ahead of its convention. A Trump delegate from New York proposed an amendment: in that part of the platform document dealing with foreign policy, Israel shall be identified as "our" partner nation in the world, and the word "Occupation" shall not be used.
The global dynamics that presently ensure and underwrite the repression and suffering of Palestine and Kashmir are a continuation and extension of the once so aggressive energies of the same crumbled Empire we are now meant to care about still, in that old warm nostalgic way, even as the shades of evening come down on Theresa's leopard skin shoes and Larry the Cat.
And which of us can say we were never in any way part of or party to that.
Tom, billoo
ReplyDeleteAt the risk of being called an anti-nationalist myself, I do admire the courage of these young people who choose to fight for what they believe in. Unfortunately, if you take things and diplomacy for what it is, gaining independence (remember it would be freedom from India and the claims of Pakistan as well) would in no way help Kashmir, because the insurgency will continue regardless. In their nearsighted desire to force Kashmir to secede to one nationality or the other, I'm afraid nobody is going to step back. That is why I feel the situation is a bit hopeless.
As for the truth, I'd just refer you to the way the media (of which I am a part) reports this tussle. For Pakistan it is a case of the Indian Army's brutality, for India it is Pakistan's proxy war in the Valley, and for the Kashmiri, who isn't even asked what he really wants, its the violation of basic human rights by both. And sadly, all three are true to some extent. Social media only exaggerates, each half thereby dividing people further. The debate remains limited to 'India-Pakistan', whereas the real questions probably never will be asked. I wonder what nationalism means to a Kashmiri. That said, it takes courage to fight the long fight, and I want to keep hope as well. But, in my heart of hearts, I know it won't amount to much. But still, let us hope I'm eventually proven wrong.
Here is a somewhat comprehensive take
I think you're right, Tom. The fine net of collusion falls far. Conciousness is the first small step to lessening the hold.
ReplyDeleteThe Gods of Security were pretty handy with the rubber bullets in Northern Ireland as I remember.
No, I think you're right. This is not about Manik ( Play the ball, not the man). He makes a lot of great points and with great sincerity. I am interested in the view, however, that things are " complex" and that each has their own truth.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, we're all part to something horrible- even if indirectly: the atrocities committed by the pak army in East pakistan, economic injustice, for example.
I've known enough Indians on a personal level that I can say, as in the land of the pure, it is mainly the state and media that is responsible of whipping up hatred and suspicion. I'm trying to stay away from the personal, though.and the * political* point is surely that things are neither that complicated nor that relative.