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A Letter To Kashmir

* Just found this letter a friend of mine, Mynie had written after our trip to Kashmir where we interacted with teachers and students at the Kashmir University. Where they spoke of their angst and demanded a separate state from India and Pakistan. Mynie wrote this in response to all that we heard that and I think its one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I've ever come across. And something that absolutely needs to be shared. *

To,

The people of Kashmir,

All these years I have lived in illusion. An illusion that Kashmir, the Valley of my dreams, is very much a part of my country. I took great pride in it, and I believed you did too. But, a few days ago, I had raw exposure to your lives, much troubled lives.

I might never be able to think by, what they say, stepping into your shoes. I might never be able to empathize entirely with your tears. I will never be able to comprehend the torture you face, the wars you wage every day and night - to rise and to sleep, to step out of your homes into your own “motherland”, and then to step back in.

I will never understand the terror that grips you, even in the shelter of your humble abodes. I shall never possess such lack of faith in my protectors, lawmakers and administrators. I will never realise how it feels to be questioned at every breath taken, dictated at every step taken. I cannot fathom the countless defeats that greet you, everyday, at the hands of “authority”. And then, rise up boisterously again at the taste of dispiritedness. I shall never discover what your hearts are made of.

I will never feel the depth of angst in your voices which cry for freedom or “Azadi”. But, I only wish to lend my feeble yet determined voice to join yours. I only wish to make the people of my country feel the way I do.

Yours truly,

An Indian

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Comments

Ace said…
The letter is heartfelt and more than just makes a point. I am also aware of the controversy that the said letter created on another blog on Kashmir. The writer speaks out against army excesses in the valley. However, since she does not explicitly say whether or not she supports the idea of an independent Kashmir, one might just tend to think that she does, and that would be another story altogether and definitely not the solution to the problem the letter has addressed.
I personally do stand by what the writer says in that army excesses have to be be stopped, and I think she has expressed this wonderfully in the form of a letter. Also the signature below the letter as 'An Indian' - beautiful and thoughtful.
30 September 2007 at 09:16
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