Opposition of Kashmiri Muslim against Hindu Shrine: Wrong signal to the nation

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Dr. Biplab Pal, Editor Fosaac.TV, 2 July, 2008

 

Amarnath Shrine is one of the oldest pilgrimage in the world-older than Jerusalem. Even after the Islamic conquest of northern India, this pilgrimage continued unabated due the enthusiast Hindu followers who have been visiting this place paying Jijiya tax to Muslim rulers during most of the Islamic period in India. Kashmiri Hindus were eliminated totally by 15th century initially by notorious Islamic preacher of Sayed clan followed by cruel and merciless conversion carried out during the rule of Sikandar and Ali Shah. Resettlement of Hindus in Kashmir valley started with Sultan Zainul who shaped much of the Kashmiri nationalism as we see it today. Under the auspiece of Shri Bhat, Kashmiri Pundits retained most of the important Hindu texts. Reforming Hinduism to a classless and castless society started with Shri Bhat as he clearly understood Hindusim will not survive before Islam unless it is reformed to a classless united society. After this brief period, Hinduism was again crashed in the valley by zealot Islamic rulers for almost two centuries till Akbar expanded his empire in Kashmir. Finally, Kashmir acceded to non-Muslim rulers when Ranjit Singh drove out barbaric Afgan rulers from Kashmir in 1818. During this time, a lot of tribal leaders in Kashmir who were frustrated with cruelty of alien Muslim rulers wanted to be folded back in Hinduism. However, as always the case with castist Hindus, pundits refused to assimilate them into Hinduism. And thus Pundits committed largest blunder in the Hindu history of Kashmir. As a result, chance of revivalism of Hinduism in Kashmir obliterated for ever and long history of communal hatred by Muslims against Hindus in Kashmir continued which till today is clearly visible through opposition against a small estate for Shrine.

 

This case is a classic example of hatred and parochial Muslim mind beyond any doubt. In the beginning, objection was raised in the name of environmental issue of destruction of forest. Later when it was found, that the Government is just considering a land for benefit of pilgrimage and the fact that no land has been demarcated for the allotment and there are ample barren land around that area under Forest department of Kashmir, mask of environmental alibi was exposed as hidden face of ugly Islamic communalism that Kashmiri pundits faced for last six hundred years at the hand of Muslim rulers. After the hoax of environmental issue was exposed, all party Huriyat was very clear in their demand for which they are protesting for last seven days--they will not allow any Hindu property to be built in Kashmir. Simple and symbolic-but nothing new to Hindus in Kashmir valley who have suffered at the hand of variety of Muslim rulers from Sayed Ali Hamdani (1391) to Assad Khan (1780). Worst, people's democratic party (PDP) which is supposedly a moderate liberal pro democratic party for the Muslims pulled out of the Azad Government in protest! President of PDP, Mehbooba Mufti for last couple of years tried to adopt to more Islamic symbolism by wearing green hijab to expand her popularity among Muslims which otherwise will not accept female leadership. As always the case with female Muslim leaders from Benazir Bhutto to Seikh Hasina, Mehbooba Mufti also adopted the line of appeasing Islamic radicals fearing backlash against vulnerable female leadership in a Muslim dominated state.

 

While launching this movement against the Hindus, Kashmiri Muslims didn't think about its repercussion. Indian Government subsidizes nearly one hundred and twenty five million dollars in Hajj subsidies from Tax payer's money. At least a billion dollar of tax payer's money is spent on Indian Madrassas. What would happen if Hindus demand in retaliation that their money should not go into Islamic activities in India? What if all the Hindus decide that they will not visit Kashmir as a protest? Will Kashmiri economics which has just shown the sign of revival, survive the boycott of its tourism? In these days of capitalism and trade, taking a decision along religious and communal line, will only shrink business opportunity. I am also surprised by the silence of moderate Indian Muslims against Kashmiri Muslims. Indian Muslims are benefactors and vocal supporters of minority grants from the Government. It is not fair to ask Hindus to be generous in their contribution to Muslims when this favor is not returned by the Muslims where they constitute the majority. And finally and foremost, where is the voice of secular parties of India? Kashmir branch of CPM indeed supported Muslims fundamentalists that no land should be given to the Amarnath Shrine. Dream of Muzaffar Ahmed , founder father of CP(I)M, for a secular India has long been shattered by its 'able' leadership who have decided for a bed partnership with Islamic radicals everywhere-Kerala, West Bengal, Maharastra--Kashmir being no exception.

 

When land rover in the Mars is exploring microscopic presence of ice in search of extraterrestial life, division of mankind on the line of religion and politics of communalism based on this fictitious division is completely unwarranted for the future of the world and for the future of the mankind. We but can not make our decision based on narrow division of religion outlined in obscured medieval texts as such acts are completely counterproductive to development and harmony of a nation.