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.
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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.
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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.