As an Army veteran whose family has had a proud martial tradition of soldiering for over 200 years and a genuinely concerned citizen of India who proudly safeguarded our national frontiers in Jammu and Kashmir and in the northeast, and put his life at stake on several occasions, my advice is for all to accept the decision of the government. We must now work to win Kashmiris’ hearts and minds. The land has been integrated, and it’s about time we, as a responsible nation, win their hearts.
Now that the government has taken a tough call on Article 370, Article 35A and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, I see no point in any further resentment. Kashmir has seen enough bloodshed, it is time to stop it once and for all. But we must also understand that it is difficult to fight the bitterness and alienation of so many years.
The only way to show maturity is to accept this new development gracefully, instead of opting for violence. We must remember that Kashmiris are our own people. We have to win them over. We need to strengthen J&K and Ladakh through education, which is the only way forward.
Also read: With Kashmir move, Modi has ensured map-making comes to an end in subcontinent
The Kashmiris should have the confidence that the armed forces are there to protect them and not to intimidate them. When I was posted in J&K for two years, we did our best to win their hearts and minds. The Army rescued the Kashmiris irrespective of their past record and background, like during the devastating floods in Kashmir in 2014, even at the cost of risking their own lives. The Kashmiris should understand and remember that.
A few points I would like to reiterate:
1. The onus is on us as a nation to prove that this historical decision works in the best interest of India as a whole.
2. Please be mindful of your language so as to not hurt anyone’s sentiments.
3. Convince Kashmiris that the nation is with them. Mind you, I am saying Kashmiris, that includes Kashmiri Pandits and Dogras as well.
4. Do not sow the seeds of hatred with messages about buying plots in Kashmir.
5. Please remember that this is not a cricket match that someone lost and the other one won. So, please don’t tease anyone saying, “You lost”.
6. On such sensitive issues, India must remain UNITED.
7. These decisions are not for the benefit or disadvantage of any political party, but in the best interest of the nation.
8. Snide remarks will only create hatred and we must strive for love.
9. Don’t behave as if we have won a state or country. Instead, behave in a manner that conveys to Kashmiris that they are very much Indians and in their own homes.
10. It’s time for the government to ensure that instead of taking up arms, the youngsters of Kashmir take up pens, books and laptops.
Also read: Don’t come home for Eid, a Kashmiri mother tells her son on a one-minute phone call
Quoting from the best-selling book, The Sarkari Mussalman, by my father Lt Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah – “We are a salad bowl nation and not a melting pot”. It is for us to live up to this sentiment. I pray and look forward to celebrating Eid together with peace and harmony on the 12th of August.
India has full potential to become a superpower, so let’s stand united and become one.
Major Mohommed Ali Shah’s family has had a tradition of soldiering for over 200 years. He is a defence analyst and has appeared on various TV channels. He is a very popular TEDx speaker. He has been a part of several blockbuster films like Haider, Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Views are personal.
Fools paradise . they are not your people they never were n they are never going to be .
#FreedomChants
They are going to be free soon InshAllah
Hindus, by their very nature and also because of the teachings of their religion, are always very accommodating to other communities. So after this hurricane ends, you can expect Hindus to be nice to Muslims. However, it is for Muslims to reciprocate this feeling of niceness back to Hindus. If they don’t, please don’t expect Hindus to be one-sided fools this time – like they have been for the past 1000 years.
A very well written article because ordinary Hindus & even die hard BJP supporters have nothing personal against Islam/Muslims but it’s only the narrative of pseudo secular intellectuals, politicians with vote bank politics who r creating problems. I fully agree with the views of the author. Inspite of my misgivings about The Print my daughter who is journalist in digital media she always quotes Shekar Gupta for his incisive analysis of issues .
I think every balanced person will say the same. Kashmiris are our own. We have to tell them that their vision was coloured by the interested few and Pakistan. Come join the youth of the nation. You too can achieve what the others like them are doing in the country. Free yourself from these fundamentalist thoughts that you have been tutored day in and day out. Face realities of life, work hard and grow in an open and free sky without fear of terrorists. In Indian Army there is no discremination, they are there to safeguard the frontiers and help you. CRPF and Police is to save you from antisocial elements. Mix around with your country India’s people. We are all one, don’t get carried away by religious sentiments coming from Pakistan. They are only using you as tool to hit India, your own country. Reject any voice trying to insite you. Think of you and your family. Live a respectable and fearless life.
Having served in the Indian Army for nearly three and a half decades, I am sorry to state that a large majority of Indians do not comprehend the dynamics of the situation in J & K. The outbursts being witnessed smack of narrow-mindedness. Loose comments need to be put a full stop immediately. I endorse the sentiments expressed in the article.
I second and third and forth this comment.
Excellent article, support the sentiments expressed totally!
Sir, hats of to you. You missed one point to tell PM Modi and its leaders not use the issue in upcoming elections. Hope they would listen. Already the media and BJP leaders are calling Amit Shah as Sardar 2.0
What’s wrong in calling Amit Shah Sardar 2.0? Indeed he IS Sardar 2.0. He and Modi removed special status, which was disliked by Sardar, Ambedkar and many others in Nehru’s cabinet.
Again, what’s wrong in Modi using it in upcoming elections? After all, during elections every party goes to the people narrating what good they did for India and its people. Since Modi and BJP did great good to India removing 370, what’s wrong in going to the people saying “hey, we removed 370 and did great good to India and Indians.”. I don’t see the least amount of logic in your post.