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Civilians brave restrictions to make Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir a grand success

SANA ALTAF. Dated: 9/8/2013 2:52:31 AM

Hundreds from different walks of life attend

SRINAGAR, Sep 7: Braving restrictions, frisking and insecure conditions, hundreds of people from all walks of life today gathered to show solidarity with the victims of Kashmir conflict.
As the Valley remained under siege in view of the musical concert of Zubin Mehta held at Shalimar Garden today, men, women and even children strived to be a part of Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir. Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir is a parallel event to Zubin Mehta’s concert organized by civil society members to pay tribute to the freedom struggle of Kashmir held at Sher-e-Kashmir Park.
Right from 11A.M, Sher-e-Kashmir Park wore a festive look. People from far flung areas and old city had walked long distances to be a part of the event. As the crowd swelled, young boys and girls could be seen busy making arrangements for the event. They could be seen spreading the banners, setting the stage, arranging seating while others could be seen briefing the performers.
“We are here to tell the world that we care for the victims of conflict. They are a part of us,” said Ahmad, a university student. Ahmad had left home at Buchpora at 9A.M to escape restrictions. He walked over five kilometers to reach the venue.
Sarah, a student, said she considers herself a part of every family of Kashmir.
“Even though I study in Delhi, my heart is for Kashmir and its people.”
The event began with an introductory speech of one of the organizers, Khurram Parvez who congratulated the participants for their courage.
“Government tried its level best to make this event unsuccessful but after all we have been successful.”
He said that it was due to the support of the civil society that government was feeling threatened and had to grant permission
“We hold the chief minister Omar Abdullah completely responsible for trying to make this program unsuccessful,” said Khurram while condoling the killing of civilians in Shopian.
He added that government of Germany has betrayed people of Kashmir by holding a musical concert in Kashmir which is ridden by killing and blood shed.
Dr Altaf Hussain another organizer said, “the Zubin Mehta concert is for the elite and by the elite and not for people of Kashmir.” He said it is ironical that the Shalimar garden which has been theme of poets has been vandalised for the concert.
This was followed by touching poems on Kashmir conflict by students and civil society members. Two teenaged boys, Saif and Fahed rocked the audiences with their song, ‘resistance is a choice, it is gonna make some noise.”
A theatrical performance, revealing the people caught in Kashmir’s heavily militarized area, was also performed on Kashmir conflict. Singer Bilal dedicated a song to Afzal Guru. Eminent writer Zareef Ahmad Zareef read a poem on Kashmir’s occupation.
The performances were interspersed by pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogans.
Zareef Ahmad Zareef said that “India is trying to control even our breath”.
“India does not let us speak the truth. But we will continue our struggle and will succeed,” he said.
Syed Abdul Hai, father of Neelofar Jan said that India will have to leave Kashmir one day.
“The musical concert is like cracking a joke on our sufferings. We are here to demand justice which has been denied to every family of Kashmir.”
Shakeel Ahmad, Neelofar’s husband, demanded probe at the international level over the human rights violations Kashmir.
“The musical concert is a propaganda by India to show to the world that Kashmir is peaceful. But reality cannot hide,” Shakeel said.
He said it would have been better for German government to address the issues of human rights violations in Kashmir rather than holding a musical concert.
Terming the restrictions as part of government’s policy to silence the truth, social activist Hameeda Nayeem said dominant power never allows dominating voices to tell his/ her story.
“India is trying to create a false perception that Kashmir is normal but we are opposing it through this event.”