Barooj wani
The Kashmir Valley lies in lap of the Himalayas, the etymology of Kashmir is traced to mythological Rishi Kashyap. This place was later declared as a Heaven on Earth and was also written by many poets to enhance its heritage, its literature dates back to over 750 years. This place has immense potential in the field of tourism as it draws in tourists on account of its majestic Valley landscapes, blooming gardens and splendid weather.
Kashmir was never ruled by themselves, after the Mughals region was ruled by Afghans (1753-1819), Sikhs (1819-1846), Dogra’s (1846-1947) under British rule, until India got independence from the British rule.The geographical location is such that the valley lies between Karakoram Range and the Pir Panjal formed when the lake was drained during tectonic shift, it acquired name of paradise on earth because of its uncanny resemblance with the Garden of Eden described in religious and folk texts. Due to its weather it is suitable for cash crops like saffron, walnut, etc. Also it is known as Basket of Apples. Almost all the residents own apple orchids and common occupation is farming.
The fertile and potent land of Kashmir has been exploited from the times of Mughals and no one had put efforts to alleviate the conditions of Kashmir. It is observed that Dogra rule was possibly the worst phase in terms of economic extortion in Kashmir. Post-Independence, tribesmen of Pakistan launched an invasion over Kashmir. To protect lives of Kashmiris, Indian govt retaliated but ceasefire was declared later. Since then Pakistan has tried to keep the area disturbed and has obstructed the path of development and growth in Kashmir, also it has fuelled the separatist movement which has resulted into the unrest and chaos in the region.
Post-Independence Kashmir was progressing at its own pace with growing cash crop farming, tourism, movie theatres, etc but after 90’s brutal mass killing and surging militancy brought an unfortunate halt to its growth. During this dark phase the feeling of separatism had stuck to the minds of local Kashmiri and had swayed the focus away from mainstream. The local machinery had completely failed to control the situation in the Valley, also the vested interest of foreign powers was trying their best to build international pressure. In this decade Kashmiriyat has accepted militancy as a part of everyday routine and not thinking beyond.
Kashmiris’ post-independence have enjoyed special status under Article 370 and 35A falling under the autonomy of state of Jammu and Kashmir. The govt has always tried to lure the Kashmiri residents towards the main stream by focusing on several fields such as rural development, youth affairs, financing, infrastructure, education, etc. This approach is being exploited by Kashmiris till date as they have become habitual to get freebies. This kind of attitude of Kashmiris will never help them to move over its past and find a new path of stability by choosing education over militancy.On comparing Kashmir’s model with any other state in rest of India, studies have found that Kashmir has underperformed even with all the schemes and resources, on the other hand even BIMARU states have shown growth within a decade. The govt has been focusing on Kashmir and catering its needs from decades, this has built up a mindset of Kashmiri youth to live on the grants provided by govt and not work for it. The Kashmiris have been enjoying on taxpayers’ money all the facilities such as education, electricity, housing etc. The youth of Kashmir has tremendous potential in field of sports, utilization of training center is required by motivated youth so that young minds can be shaped in the right direction under the sports program ‘Khelo India’.
