Colours of patriotism paint Jammu
Source: Daiy pioneer
Kumar Uttam | Jammu
Tricolour in hand, protesters shout 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'
The sun is about to set on the city and the roundabout is deserted. A youth suddenly emerges from one of the bylanes, carrying a National Flag in his hand and shouting slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". Soon, the solitary protest at Kacchi Chhawani Chowk in 'paralaysed' Jammu turns into a mass frenzy as hundreds join him to express solidarity for a cause that has gone far beyond the Amarnath land row.
In fact, the Tricolour has united people in this winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir to fight the "neglect" they faced in the last 60 years. The controversy over allotment of a land plot to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board was a mere flashpoint. "We raised the Tricolour and were greeted with bullets. They (separatists) in Kashmir hoisted Pakistan's flag and brought the Government to its knees. It will not be allowed to continue any more," thunders Subhash Dogra, a protester.
Everyone in Jammu has suddenly turned leader, brushing aside allegations that "communal elements" are controlling the movement. "We are leaders in ourselves. Nobody is leading us. We are ready to face problems today to ensure a better future for the generations," adds Gurpreet Singh, owner of a few taxis. Though he has been getting no business for 50 days, he is ready to bear the losses for "many more months" but not the humiliation at the hands of the Government.
Everyone in Jammu has just one complaint. "Kashmir wants freedom, we love our country. They got everything, we were left empty-handed," people living in the Mishriwalla refugee camp on the Jammu-Akhnoor highway say.
A senior employee in the Divisional Commissioner's office revealed more. "You don't get promotions on time if you are not from the valley. Jammu has more population and area, but Kashmir gets better representation in all Government bodies and organisations. Jammu contributes the most to the State's exchequer, but Kashmir reaps the benefits. Electricity dues are more in Kashmir, but Jammu faces power cuts," he told The Pioneer.
The Amarnath controversy has come in handy for all those who nurse the "wound of neglect". They are in no double minds -- the Government revoked the allotment of the land to the shrine board for a Hindu yatra under pressure from the same separatists whom they have been appeasing since Independence.
"We have to restore the pride of Baba Amarnath and that of Jammu. We are not going to be defeated at the hands of the anti-nationals. We will be on the roads until the target is achieved," says 80-year-old Anil Sharma, as he and his grandson Ankit raise slogan of 'Bam Bam Bhole' outside Sarwal police post in Rewari locality.
Police have lost public sympathy (they allegedly fired at peaceful protesters and manhandled many) and the Army faces a situation it never confronted before. "How can you expect us to fire at them or even wield a lathi when they come with a Tricolour in their hands and shout slogans in favour of us?" says an Armyman posted in the most sensitive Kacchi Chhawani Chowk of Jammu.
Jammu has been simmering for the last 60 years. It for the first time they have been heard.
Kumar Uttam | Jammu
Tricolour in hand, protesters shout 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'
The sun is about to set on the city and the roundabout is deserted. A youth suddenly emerges from one of the bylanes, carrying a National Flag in his hand and shouting slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". Soon, the solitary protest at Kacchi Chhawani Chowk in 'paralaysed' Jammu turns into a mass frenzy as hundreds join him to express solidarity for a cause that has gone far beyond the Amarnath land row.
In fact, the Tricolour has united people in this winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir to fight the "neglect" they faced in the last 60 years. The controversy over allotment of a land plot to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board was a mere flashpoint. "We raised the Tricolour and were greeted with bullets. They (separatists) in Kashmir hoisted Pakistan's flag and brought the Government to its knees. It will not be allowed to continue any more," thunders Subhash Dogra, a protester.
Everyone in Jammu has suddenly turned leader, brushing aside allegations that "communal elements" are controlling the movement. "We are leaders in ourselves. Nobody is leading us. We are ready to face problems today to ensure a better future for the generations," adds Gurpreet Singh, owner of a few taxis. Though he has been getting no business for 50 days, he is ready to bear the losses for "many more months" but not the humiliation at the hands of the Government.
Everyone in Jammu has just one complaint. "Kashmir wants freedom, we love our country. They got everything, we were left empty-handed," people living in the Mishriwalla refugee camp on the Jammu-Akhnoor highway say.
A senior employee in the Divisional Commissioner's office revealed more. "You don't get promotions on time if you are not from the valley. Jammu has more population and area, but Kashmir gets better representation in all Government bodies and organisations. Jammu contributes the most to the State's exchequer, but Kashmir reaps the benefits. Electricity dues are more in Kashmir, but Jammu faces power cuts," he told The Pioneer.
The Amarnath controversy has come in handy for all those who nurse the "wound of neglect". They are in no double minds -- the Government revoked the allotment of the land to the shrine board for a Hindu yatra under pressure from the same separatists whom they have been appeasing since Independence.
"We have to restore the pride of Baba Amarnath and that of Jammu. We are not going to be defeated at the hands of the anti-nationals. We will be on the roads until the target is achieved," says 80-year-old Anil Sharma, as he and his grandson Ankit raise slogan of 'Bam Bam Bhole' outside Sarwal police post in Rewari locality.
Police have lost public sympathy (they allegedly fired at peaceful protesters and manhandled many) and the Army faces a situation it never confronted before. "How can you expect us to fire at them or even wield a lathi when they come with a Tricolour in their hands and shout slogans in favour of us?" says an Armyman posted in the most sensitive Kacchi Chhawani Chowk of Jammu.
Jammu has been simmering for the last 60 years. It for the first time they have been heard.
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