We  are now listening to the different types of declarations: the Gupkar Declarations. What are the Gupkar Declarations? Why are they organised? Will they help the cause of Jammu and Kashmir? This is the present situation in Kashmir. Before knowing this, we should know that nations or countries become developed when they have a clear cut policy towards future. For that invisible future, they sacrifice everything.

By: Syed Mustafa Ahmad

We  are now listening to the different types of declarations: the Gupkar Declarations. What are the Gupkar Declarations? Why are they organised? Will they help the cause of Jammu and Kashmir? This is the present situation in Kashmir. Before knowing this, we should know that nations or countries become developed when they have a clear cut policy towards future. For that invisible future, they sacrifice everything. They don’t get offended if they fail but they learn from failures and never repeat the same mistake. Nations whose motive is to develop and provide every kind of facility to its inhabitants, never run behind money; but money itself comes to them. Moreover, these nations have effective leaders who have an agenda behind their rulings. However, in case of Jammu and Kashmir, these things are not found. We have no future to look at. We are wandering here and there without any fruit. We have such a system of living that is impossible in other parts of the world.  We live in that part of the world where foolish and promise breakers are generally welcomed.

Since 1931, our beloved leaders have been deceiving us in the same manner. They have been promising us to free us from the clutches of tyranny but they, at the end of the day, have become themselves tyrants. The wounds that they  have given to us, will be discussed in the coming lines.

Politically, they manipulate our votes for their bosses who sit at some different places. They use double talk at the time of elections to fill the colours in the painting. From Sheikh Abdullah to Mehbooba Mufti, they have been saying that there is no issue of Jammu and Kashmir. They believe that some people have become crazy who want independence. They are radicals who are enticed by some people behind the curtains. They take oath in the name of Indian Constitution but on the ground level, they tell people that we don’t believe in Indian Constitution. Seeing this, their bosses have known them fully. They know their body languages and deal with them accordingly. In August, 2019, all the leaders who are still in the race of getting mandate, were punished for being disloyal to both India and Jammu and Kashmir. India knows it well that those so-called leaders who don’t keep their promises, can never be believed. They deceive their own people for the sake of chair. So, in this regard, the Gupkar Declarations are nothing but an eye wash. They know that these declarations may soothe the nerves of the common people who are left unattended by one and all. They want to tell people that we are your leaders. We went to jail for you. We bore a year’s imprisonment for you. We need your support. We are one. Though, we belong to the different political parties, we have one agenda; the agenda of keeping the pot of Jammu and Kashmir boiling. This is the main aim of the Gupkar Declarations.

Second is economic. We all are going through liquidity. All the sectors of economy are going through the most difficult times. Primary sector is somehow doing good but the other two sectors are ruined. Tertiary sector which accounts for 57% of SGDP is the worst hit. Tourism sector is gone to the winds. The Hindu newspaper says that some thousands of tourists have the valley since August, 2019. Tourist cabs, hoteliers, house boat owners and tourist guides are without money. Their business is shut. Some have taken loans  from government that are still unpaid. Labourers find it difficult to carry on because of high rates and tax regimes. If our leaders were sincere, they would try their best to boost the local economy. Hydel power, tourism, agriculture and its allied sectors, human resources, etc., are our assets but they are either taken away by some authorities or lying defunct. Religious places that also boost our economy, are polarized. No day passes when there is not a communal speech in our valley or outside that only proves harmful for our valley. Recently, the HC gave its ruling that there is no bar on frank reporting. If the tourists were attacked by some miscreants in 2018, it only resulted in image defacing of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the consequence of the bad deeds of our leaders who made it possible to let these things happen.

In August, 2019, all the leaders who are still in the race of getting mandate, were punished for being disloyal to both India and Jammu and Kashmir. India knows it well that those so-called leaders who don’t keep their promises, can never be believed. They deceive their own people for the sake of chair. So, in this regard, the Gupkar Declarations are nothing but an eye wash. They know that these declarations may soothe the nerves of the common people who are left unattended by one and all. They want to tell people that we are your leaders.

Third and last is peace. We have lost comfort in our lives. Our lives have become burdensome. Mental diseases are on rise. Heart patients are increasing day by day. The need for the psychiatrists has increased manifold. Every household needs counsellors. Counselling has assumed the topmost priority. No one seems happy. Gloomy faces are common. Fear is found in nook and corner of the valley. Leaders have many facilities to feel comfortable but the poor are devoid of any facility. They want to live but living is not an easy now.

The Gupkar Declarations won’t help us. We need employment, freedom, life security, etc. We love peace. I want the worldly communities to protect Kashmir from becoming a battle ground. A lot of blood is already shed. Our streets are red. And last but not least, I want the participants of the Gupkar Declarations to beg forgiveness in front of common people and resolve that we will never deceive our people. Moreover, we blame the BJP for everything. No, we are wrong. Our nears and dears are black sheep. We have to blame ourselves and no one else. Inconvenience is regretted.