Spread peace and love in the valley

It is said that “If wishes were horses even beggars would ride”.

One wish that every Kashmiri has, and being one I can vouch for it is – that peace is restored in our paradise the Kashmir valley. What if all year long there were no operations, no shutdowns, no bloodshed? Sounds like a far-fetched dream, right? However, this one-month respite – “No military operations” during Ramzan would be a treasure in such trying times. Let’s hope that in letter and spirit this ceasefire is maintained during this pious month of Ramadan.

Although I am elated knowing this good news but reading so much more in print that it’s a drama, an eyewash etc. fills my heart with anxiety. I have my fingers crossed and do you want to know why? Because we Kashmiris have long forgotten to appreciate the good. Amidst so much chaos lingering for decades, we have probably forgotten to see the good in anything around us. We tend to speculate, get swayed by red-herring, get demoralized so fast that we have almost forgotten that there is good around us too.

We are the most fortunate to be born in such a picturesque landscape, enjoy the good weather, blessed with such fine art and craft and such beautiful surroundings. Let’s soak our memories in a warm cup of Kahwah, indulge in the crisp misty air and watch the sun-kissed, snow-capped mountains. Feel our heart synchronize with the gushing waters that travel from the glaciers above and cherish the simplicity and pristine natural beauty of our dear motherland. For once we need to unclutter our minds from the dynamics that have engulfed our state and breathe fresh of positivity  Let us welcome this decision with a light heart, kill the anxiety within us and live every moment the way we always dream of.

It is too early to predict how the month of Ramadan goes by. Whether we sincerely have a peaceful time or we juggle our web of uncertainty and continue mourning the loss of our loved ones and pity ourselves; time will only tell.

However, let us Kashmiris at least make an endeavor to not let negativity surround us in this sacred month of Ramadan. Let us be unfazed by what the politicians, the media, the security officials and militants rant. I am pretty sure there will be people amongst us and from across the border who will not want us to enjoy this normalcy that is promised. But let us give a fair chance to ourselves and believe that ‘Allah’ has chosen us and we must pay our gratitude to Him with love and peace around us.

17 May 2018/Thursday                                                                                       afsana159630@gmail.com