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http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Aug/31/revenge-or-reconciliation-5.asp
SITUATION BY WAHEED-UR-REHMAN PARA
Keeping in view what happened during the past three summers, it seems that both the state and people are caught in a constant battle against each other. I personally heard a lot of responsible officers saying that they beat our Jawans and our Jawans react. `Our Jawans were killed and my Jawans were injured'. Such statements only breeds alienation, anger and hate against one another. What we need at this juncture is reconciliation not revenge. Whenever there is any formal or informal talk between people and state you will see them playing a blame game with each other. Both the parties find excuses and try to absolve themselves. Both hold each other responsible for creating public disorder.
One kills, the other ensures safety
People say they are peaceful, and state pleads innocence. Both seem to be equally plausible arguments but can not justify the damage caused to the people at large. With such stubborn attitude, there is no scope for reconciliation.
Every conflict creates a deadlock and it's really difficult to pin the blame. Unfortunately in a conflict if somebody gives up the policy of revenge, he is seen as a coward and those who desperately want to seek revenge are adored as heroes. Here in Kashmir we are into the habit of finding bravery in violent acts. That has ultimately caused the real problem.
The resent statement of Hurriat (G) leader Geelani Sahab disapproving stone throwing was worth appreciating because it carried a message. There is no reason to see anything wrong in what Geelani sahab has said. People should realize that if we continue doing that, it will result in the loss of human lives only.
We must learn to control the lava of revenge. Unless we realize the gravity of the situation, we can only see things worsening from here. Better shun violence and see how peace can be ensured. That alone can deliver us of the agony we are in.
(Waheed-ur-Rehman Para is a journalist and a student of International Conflict Studies. Feedback at parawahid@gmail.com)
