B L Saraf
The cine-movie Kashmir Files has done the job. Discounting some dramatic antics which are integral to the commercial cinema, the Film has retold the truth – truth of pain, agony and the betrayal . No wonder it brought tears down the eyes of viewers. It is a tribute of sorts to the film that it has reignited a debate which found resonance not only in the PMO but Lok Sabha also. P M Narendra Modi commented that the film The Kashmir Files has ” rattled the ecosystem that wanted to burry the truth about plight of the displaced Kashmiri Hindus.”
In Lok Sabha while responding to a discussion on J & K budget, the FM Nirmala Sitharaman , having film in the mind, blamed Congress and the NC for the exodus of KPs from Kashmir. She said ” Congress was an ally of the Government at the time of the exodus (of Pandits) and the then Chief Minister left people to fend for themselves when the terrorism was on the rise .” She and some important functionaries of the ruling BJP have in no uncertain terms held Congress and the NC responsible for the mass expulsion of KPs from the Valley. On the other hand, Congress and the NC blame BJP for the tragedy that befell the KPs by reminding that in 1990 it was the VP Singh led minority Government in Delhi which drew strength from BJP on one side and the Communists on the other that failed Pandits. The Government had come to rule after defeating Rajiv Gandhi led INC, in 1989 Lok Sabah election.
In between the polemics the real ‘character ‘ – a KP – is lost in the way. It is a travesty that the tragic exodus of the Pandits from Kashmir is cast in a malleable narrative, easily to be moulded to garner votes in the mainland when occasion demands. Or lapped up locally when Kashmir centric political parties have to settle score with the ruling BJP and its sympathizers. Both these arguments have some merit and the truth lies somewhere in between .Given the highly polarized atmosphere we live presently in , it will be near impossible to examine the issue objectively and dispassionately, and see some sort of closure to the pathetic plight of the displaced Pandits . So , better leave it to the future historians and the analysts to analyze when atmosphere is a bit calm and conducive to an objective assessment.
They say life never remains static. If past 32 years were not sufficient to find an answer to the riddle how come the coming 32 years will help find the one which will satisfy all. No body’s cause will be served by allowing situation to remain open ended , for all times to come . It will serve only those so called well wishers of the community who are bent upon exploiting its miseries commercially and politically , suit to their convenience : besides keeping the tormentors of the displaced community eternally in joy, back home.
The displaced community must introspect where does it need to go from here ,what next it has to do after story of community’s plight has been told and retold . It is time to move on .Many other people who have suffered similarly have done it earlier . It won’t pay to be struck in the slough of despondency.
Tears that rolled down the eyes and choking sobs of the movie viewers told the story of loss of inheritance, helplessness, despondency, broken promises , indifference and betrayal. They were of self deception also. The community feels let down not only by the state but also by some of its own and those who claim to be the sympathizers. Every one, with little bit of ingenuity , has cashed on its miseries – commercially or politically .Thirty two years down the line most of the displaced persons continue to live a miserable life : the young and not so young are without a job. The employment package announced way back in 2008 has not been implemented fully . Other components of the PM package of 2008 are yet to see the light of day .
The community’s spiritual sign post have been vandalized. Its demand to have a statutory mechanism for a democratic and transparent management of the Shrines and Temples in the Valley has fallen on deaf ears .
Nirmal Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha that Central Government was committed to bring KPs home and settle them there honorably and fullfill the promise made to them .Giving the numbers she said that government has built 1025 transit accommodation while about 1500 are under the process of construction . These announcements have so far been the pious promises, only , yet to materialize on the ground . We must tell the FM to have some cohesion in the return policy. One day a certain place is selected for the rehabilitation in Kashmir , next it is moved to the other place. There is no regard for the opinion of the displaced community , nor is it taken on board when decisions affecting it are taken.
While the displaced community appreciates the concern shown by the PM Narendra Modi on its plight after watching The Kashmir Files, it has an expectation from him that he, as a popular and decisive leader, would see the community back home, rather soon, with all the rights that should flow to it as being a miniscule minority living in the great nation – called India.
For the displaced Pandits the Danish Existential Philosopher Sorren Kierkegaard may have a thing to say ” Life has to be understood backwards but it has to be lived forwards .” We have to draw that message from the movie The Kashmir Files.
(The author is former Principal District & Sessions Judge)
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