Reclaiming Radicalized Youth in India

On April 13, 14, 15 Swaraj Peeth Trust organized dialogue between representatives of two major communities of Kashmir in conflict: Kashmiri Muslims; and, Kashmiri Pandits  who were forced to leave in 1990 their ancestral homes, their motherland , under the shadow of terror and   threat of life at the height of armed militancy ,.

Four senior journalists /scholar /writer activists from the non-main-stream Kashmir media talked to some of those whose stand and views stand apart; for, it is exactly the area we need to work on to smoothen relationships particularly among  those who matter in the public discourse/debate on Kashmir. This time we focused on media dialogue; rapprochement between Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims and, statelessness of ‘refugees’ from west Pakistan.  The meetings/dialogues took place between a number of senior journalists, including editors and public intellectuals appearing on the print and electronic media; and, some prominent ‘spoke persons’ of one or the other party in conflict... 

If adversaries can talk cordially, listen to each other with patience and understanding, a lot can be achieved. in order to build a constructive mutual dialogue, Today we have such known youth leaders with us in this efforts who till less than three years back used to tell us " only gun is the answer here, Do not talk of anything else." 

In spite of the bitter differences, they met, - well known names, spoke persons of aggrieved and ‘opposite’ communities, talked, keeping bitterness aside; talked very cordially and listened to the other with respect and empathy, like friends would do.

A leading Kashiri Pandit , when invited for this unusual dialogue – dialogue  between those who are seen and spoken as enemies – he responded :

“Thanks so much for creating this opportunity.

You have worked very hard to create this opening.

I am excited at the possibilities.

Please count me in.”

One of them a leading Kashmiri Pandit and senior journalist, chief news consultant  with a major public sector TV channel  said : I have been to many a conferences and dialogues on Kashmir issue. Invariably, on the issues concerning us, the dialogue would turn acrimonious, often abusive and we break up in disgust. This is for the first time in my life that it is just the opposite experience…

His father became displaced, refugee, in his own country thrice since 1947 being a Kashmiri from Meerpur, now in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. They are  not eccepted as Kashmiri; rendering them without an identity.

After the dialogue the Pandit Community leader, a  most  prominent voice of the internally displaced community wrote back :

“ Your hard work, sheer perseverance, in the middle of such madness, is your 'sadhana'.

I hope your effort bears fruit. I'm at your disposal for however you think I can contribute”.

It made a lot of difference in confidence building when meeting ground was created on shared higher values of life that the nonviolence symbolizes. And, both the parties recognized that it was an important learning for them all.  They understand how others too have suffered, and where a meeting ground can be created.  They parted with exchange of contact details and desire to visit each other in Kashmir itself. They helped prove that people standing at the extremes could meet in good will; and once they meet, perceptions do change for the better mutual understanding.  It gave them confidence and reaffirmation of the line they/we are trying to carve out under heavy odds. A dialogue, which is both reasoned and compassionate, and with goodwill, is what makes all the difference.

.

Links:

• This explains how Kashmir Pandits became internally displaced.
• This explains the issue of West Pakistani "Refugees"