On 26 January 1950, 70 years ago, India became republic by adopting newly written constitution. Therefore, the ritual of celebrating 26 January is commemoration of adoption of constitution and holds a special status in Indian democracy. The revelry, unfurling tri-colours, colorful array of jet planes in sky, vibrant republic day parade, demonstration of military might and weaponry and display of cultural programmes, all are part of republic day parade. Apart from the showiness of diverse events, 26 January is a public holiday where people in their capacity celebrate this event.
Unlike rest of India, 26 January is not a celebrated day in Kashmir valley. Both republic day and Indian Independence day are observed as black days in valley. Although, 26 January is celebrated with festivities and patriotic fervor across India, the streets of Kashmir are deserted on this day, as a mark of protest against the Indian atrocities on Kashmiris. Fewer celebrations at district headquarters doesn’t make it celebrated day in Kashmir. The main celebratory event was held amid tight security at Sports Stadium Srinagar attended by few politicians and top officers of security apparatus. People distanced themselves from republic day ceremony as they do feel no belonging to it. Authorities even forced students and government employees to participate in republic day ceremony, a handful people joined, albeit. The 26 January brings with it heavy deployment of armed forces, suspension of mobile & internet service and barricaded roads, which defines India’s illegal occupation over valley. Kashmiris mark 26 January and 15 August ‘Black Days’. But both these days refresh the desire for freedom in the hearts of Kashmiris.
Secondly, the people of J&K boycott republic day of India because ‘J&K had its own constitution which was adopted on 17 November 1956.’ It sounds very cruel to abandon our own celebration day and go for India’s day. Isn’t it? But the political leeches of J&K do that, without any hesitation. They forgot unfurling state flag while they hoist Indian flag to gain political mileage. These leaders ruined us. The last remnants of special status stand by virtue of our mass agitation, lest we have been evicting from valley.
There is a paradigm shift in India’s policy towards minorities since BJP came to power at center. BJP leaders want to forge their own legacy by invoking fear among the people. The growing hatred towards the Muslims and the Dalits disturbed secular of the Republic of India. On the eve of the 70th republic day, minorities in India recounted atrocities they met with and showed no desire to participate in rallies. The emergence of mobocracy, killing in the name of cow and hatching policies to restrict Muslims is slowly and steadily transforming Republic of India into hell for minorities. In these years of BJP government, India had earned many untidy titles where India became most dangerous country for women, minorities, etc. The politics of hatred erased sympathy from hearts of people. The Hindu-Muslim divide had widened. Kashmir turned into a live prison. The growing fear across the length and breadth of India render it no more democratic. Hinduvta wave got impetus from Hindu radical groups. In this connection, Mizoram Governor Rajashekharan addressed almost an empty ground on occasion of 70th Republic Day ceremony, due to a state wide boycott call given by an umbrella organization against citizenship amendment bill. India’s ‘unity in diversity’ is no more.
Since 2014, attacks on Dalits and Muslims increased alarmingly. The long silence of Modi over mob violence, cow vigilantism and anti-Muslims remarks by his ministers is exposing secret mission of hinduvta brigades. Anti-Muslim campaign run by media and the murky coverage of anti-Muslim and anti-Dalit incidents created sense of fear among the minorities which bolstered mob lynching. Hinduvta brigades unleashed their hounds that went on hunt for Muslim and Dalit blood. A union minister publically facilitated a group of men who had been convicted of lynching a Muslim trader in Jharkhand. The solemn state of affairs in Kashmir is a grim reminder of the risks posed by besiegement. Can there be a bigger blot on India’s commitment to pluralism and representativeness than the hauntings suffered by its own citizens?
Earlier, Pakistani rangers, on the eve of Republic Day, Independence Day, Holi or Eid exchanged sweets as a goodwill gesture. Nowadays, the animosity heighted and they exchange bullets on these special occasions. The angel of death always hovers over the head on both sides of the border. The political leeches arrive in cavalcades escorted by special bodyguards cannot imagine about the raining bullets which pierce tender hearts and fill orphanages mercilessly. J&K, which is the focus of the Indo-Pak dispute, had been sandwiched among the foes. Neither Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein nor India’s integral part; Kashmir is property of Kashmiris only. And both the born nations should respect our sentiments and let Kashmiris decide their own fate.
India is trying to hide its misdoings. On this republic day, journalists were barred to cover republic day footages. Restriction on transport, restrictions on free movement, barring telecom service and now restrictions placed on entry of some journalists. What type of republic it is? Just like ‘we the citizens’, Kashmiris should also register a plea seeking celebration of our own republic day. Mainstream politicians should avoid hide and seek and should come forward to join hands with the people of state to regain lost glory. If Hindu-Muslim relation is again repaired in India, Kashmir had nothing to do with that. Kashmir needs a solution that is acceptable to people of Kashmir, not necessarily people of India or Pakistan.
Sheikh Nissar can be reached at sheikhnissar@Outlook.com