P. K MAM
More than 25 years have passed away since KPs mass exodus in 1990 for reasons of failure of Govt. due to catastrophic conditions was created by inimical forces to their lives, security, and honour. As a corollary, KPs got displaced and scattered across the country for survival in search of shelter and livelihood. Much water has flown up and down the Jehlum since then. Those who were young at that time have already entered or likely to be in advance stage/ senior citizen category or then many are no more in this world and those who were newly born are scattered and settled across the country. However, there is a genuine craving and claims made for return of KPs to place of origin, for reasons of reclaiming our identity, culture, heritage, integrity, roots. But then there is also dilemma in minds of microscopic community members on this issue!
Here, I am reminded of a personal story which has a definite bearing on the subject chosen for write up in the present context. After having left hearth and home in a state of panic on 4th April 1990 at midnight from the Valley, I reached Jammu the next day evening in the state of utter confusion. I was driven by circumstances from pillar to post in search of shelter anywhere in Jammu city. Anyway, after much searches I was able to find a room and kitchen, thinking that it was good luck for me; I jumped into taking possession of the room where I stayed with my family comprising aged mother, wife and two daughters.
In December 1990, I was served with orders of adjustment in the Inspection Department of my Parent Organisation (SBI) and proceeded to new place of posting at Nagpur, first ever posting outside the State. I left Jammu in a pensive and sorrowful mood after my aged mother and other family members saw me off at railway station at 11:00 PM This scene of tearful departure prevailed in my mind throughout my journey when I luckily met a co-passenger sitting in front of my seat who saw me in utter dejection of mind and enquired me of the reasons thereof.
Inspiring thoughts
On hearing sad tale of my displacement and other related things, he advised me to shake off my depression in the backdrop of a piece of sermon that is reflected in Maha Kavi Kalidasa’s writing ( greatest Sanskrit scholar and poet of 4th Century AD), as indicated below:
“In this world there are three types of species a) Lion b) Elephant c) Sujjan Purush.
In the event of danger to their lives, say on account of threat of fire, flood, famine, hunters or other reasons, all above species migrate to safer places and shake off their attachment with the previous environment.
Yet, there are another type of creatures a) Crow b) Deer c) Durjun Purush. In spite of danger that befalls them, they too leave to save their lives but it is their attachment to the former things that bring them back till at last they perish.”
Undoubtedly, the lucid message I got in time of need was inspiring and helped me in get-going life’s activities ahead.
Mirage or reality
In a country of 130 crore population, the ethnic cleansing of minuscule community created under a well drawn strategic design by inimical forces is a big slur both for country and society as a whole. That how much damage of immeasurable proposition is caused needs no words to describe. This community has really become endangered species and how it can be saved from extinction needs to be pondered and undone both on lawful and humanitarian grounds. It will be in fitness of things to keep ourselves well ready for resettlement programme lest we are overtaken by any decision in surprise by Govt. without assessing the ground realities i.e. political, security, economic social environment, and whether it is conducive for KPs to settle at ancestral place with dignity and in a fear-free atmosphere? What is the percentage of population in Valley who will welcome return back of KPs? Which segment of KPs (senior citizens category or new one born after 1990) desire for return in the present murky situation? In brief:
For Govt. i) Will they fix accountability on issues of security blunder which allowed such a chaotic situation to happen and not to repeat lapses in future? ii) Are security issues of border infiltration/ ex-filtration/ role by non state actors and inimical forces stand 100 per cent addressed? iii) Has State developed such infrastructure/ avenues for employment which will lure youngsters to settle, rehabilitate without fear and seek livelihood in private and public sector undertakings without discrimination and dependence upon Govt jobs – generally used to be a ploy by vested interests to exploit hatred against one another? iv) Compensate for distressed sale of property and also to those underprivileged who are still putting up in camps desperately say private employees, agriculturists, businessmen etc.
For co-brothers, will they bid good bye to once used words like Mukhbir or soft targets for KPs after they understand futility of objective achieved by displacing KPs and appreciate the ethos of universal golden principle of live and let live, co-existence, brotherhood!
For Kps, will all parties come under one umbrella, deliberate and discuss the issue with majority community viz. political parties, prominent citizens, intelligentsia class, opinion makers and chalk out concrete action plan to achieve common goal for betterment of community.
Lastly, nature’s fury by way of Sept flood, carnage in neighbouring country, fractured outcome in recent elections are not going to leave impact unseen in politics of the State.
Hopefully, many other issues on the subject shall be well taken care of by experts at the appropriate time. May new year bring peace happiness and prosperity to one and all!
