A spark neglected

When Nazim Rashid, a 28-years-old shopkeeper form north Kashmir's Sopore town, was allegedly tortured to death in police custody, the Omer Abdullah Government yet again gave assurance of justice; but can that justice bring back Nazim? Though the JK Government is taking all the necessary measures to deduce the tension, which is mounting very high among the people of Kashmir, it is, in a sense, a spark neglected.

Perhaps, I have learned in my childhood that precaution is better than cure. But watching the current plight of Kashmir, the government is unable to take any protective measures to maintain peace and tranquility. Nazim Rashid died. Hundreds of people arrived on the streets and threw stones at security forces; but how can we blame those stone throwers who lost their kith and kin due to the highhandedness of police and paramilitary forces. Such incidents are astonishing because the authorities are well aware that these events can instigate a chain of violent incidents. However, despite knowing everything there is no stoppage on such episodes.

If we recall yesteryear's incidents, we can easily trace out the reason behind the unrest. It was a tear gas shell fired by police which killed a young boy, Tufail Ahmad Matto, and that was the spark which burned the entire Kashmir in year 2010.

The summer and the tourist session of year 2011 pan out quite peacefully, and according to a survey more than five lakh holidaymakers visited and enjoyed their vacations in Kashmir. Although the tourist session is not completely over, but Sopore like episodes is really a speed breaker for the Tourism Industry of Kashmir.

Now the politicians and the leaders are visiting Sopore in hordes to gain the sympathy and maybe to make full use of this episode to gain their political mileage. Even opposition party leaders visited Sopore and tried to enter the house of the deceased Nazim to offer condolence, but the locals have nothing to offer them except the stones, and they were not allowed to meet bereaved family. Separatist leaders including Syed Ali Shah Geelani is under house arrest, and their movements are restricted by the security agencies.

Such incidents instigate a war and are a nightmare for Kashmir, but the irony is that there is no sign-off or sign of relief from such tragic occurrences….