Healing the valley’s wounds

Some are born great, argued the Bard, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Many of us have "greatness thrust upon them," thanks to a quirk of circumstances, or thanks to the Creator of those circumstances. Few of us though prove ourselves worthy of the privilege or opportunity presented to us by destiny. Watching Omar Abdullah struggle, bumble and fumble at the helm even as the "paradise on earth" burns like hell, one cannot help but marvel at the strange games destiny plays with us. What makes the young chief minister qualify for the job, gifted to him by his indulgent father Farooq Abdullah, except his proud pedigree? But what’s new? Farooq Abdullah, a medical doctor by training, inherited the mantle from his legendary father Shaikh Abdullah in similar fashion. Democracy and dynasty go hand in hand in South Asia. Nothing wrong if politics runs in the family, and son — or daughter for that matter — succeeds father or mother in power as they often have in the subcontinent. Trouble arises when those born with a silver spoon cannot hold it. The mess in Kashmir these days makes you wonder if there is really a government in place in Srinagar. Young boys are getting killed like flies and no one seems to be losing any sleep in Srinagar or Delhi. Nearly 60 youths have died in little over a month. Almost all of them died of gun shots or those "plastic pillets" that are not supposed to kill. And each successive death in turn has fueled the cauldron of anger and frustration that is today’s Kashmir, bringing thousands more out on the streets. And it’s not just young men who are up in the arms. The spectacle of women throwing stones and clashing with the security forces brings out goose bumps all over. Unfortunately, South Asia today is full of self-serving, petty politicians but singularly bereft of great leaders who can bring lasting peace to this cursed piece of land. Talking of great leaders, one had great expectations from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Incidentally, Manmohan has just crossed a historic milestone by becoming the longest serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and his feisty daughter Indira Gandhi. Defying all predictions and projections, he has completed nearly six years in power. Six years! Boy, was it really that long?What the valley needs today is not more empty rhetoric or economic packages but a real healing touch and respect from politicians in Delhi and Srinagar. The valley’s wounds will heal only when the jackboots leave. For the longer Kashmir bleeds, the more distant it will grow from us.